Release date: 2009-03-17
Did you know that the human brain isn’t just "loose" in the bones, but also in its structure? More specifically, it's the white matter that can become affected. According to the Department of Neurology at Nanjing General Hospital, severe leukoaraiosis—a condition where the white matter appears damaged or degenerated—can lead to a significant decline in cognitive abilities, often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease.
In standard brain imaging, the brain typically shows an elliptical bright area in the center, resembling an irregular egg shape, with the ventricles located there and surrounded by gray matter. However, when leukoaraiosis is present, you might notice white areas around this central region, sometimes even connecting into larger patches that encircle the ventricles. To the untrained eye, this might look like a "hole" in the brain, or as if it's been "smashed." If such patterns appear on an imaging test, it could be a sign of leukoaraiosis.
Professor Liu Xinfeng from the Department of Neurology explains that the brain consists of gray matter and white matter. Gray matter contains neurons, while white matter is made up of nerve fibers. These two work together to form the brain. When the white matter becomes compromised, it can significantly impact cognitive function.
A study conducted over two years followed 74 patients aged over 55 who had mild cognitive impairment—such as memory loss lasting more than three months and lower test scores than normal, but not yet meeting dementia criteria. After ruling out other causes, they underwent brain imaging. Of these, 33 were found to have leukoaraiosis. During follow-up, 9 out of the 41 without leukoaraiosis progressed to dementia (a 22% rate), while 15 out of the 33 with leukoaraiosis developed dementia (a 45% rate). This nearly doubles the risk, suggesting that leukoaraiosis may serve as an early indicator or independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
Leukoaraiosis is closely linked to poor blood supply to the brain and cerebrovascular diseases. Professor Liu noted that individuals with multiple risk factors—such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, or advanced age—are more likely to show signs of leukoaraiosis on imaging. Early detection through brain scans allows for timely intervention.
For those at high risk, regular brain imaging can help identify issues before they worsen. It’s crucial to manage underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes, keep blood sugar and pressure under control, reduce vascular inflammation, and consider aspirin use under medical supervision to improve circulation. Additionally, engaging in cognitive exercises can slow down mental decline.
Early awareness and proactive care are key to maintaining brain health. Meditech Medical Network
Goggles Glasses,Protective Goggles,Chemical Goggles,Clear Safety Glasses
Xuzhou Xinbaisheng Protective Equipnent Co., Ltd. , https://www.xinparkson.com