White Matter Disease in the Elderly

White matter disease is very common in the elderly. According to Dr. Timothy Hain, it is estimated that as many as 80 percent of MRIs taken in people over the age of 65 show some white matter changes. It is not believed that changes in an individual's white matter can be reversed, but there is some hope that the changing of the white matter can be slowed or stopped. Although it is unclear if white matter damage can truly be healed, it is more likely that we may be able to regenerate white matter than gray matter.

White Matter

• We typically refer to the brain as gray matter. However, there are parts of the brain that are referred to as white matter. White matter is found deep within the brain and parts of the spinal cord and consists of cells that connect different parts of the brain to each other. White matter got its name form the bright white spots that appear on the MRIs of individuals with white matter lesions. In reality, white matter is actually pink in color.

White Matter Disease

• The term "white matter disease" is really a generic name used to describe white spots, or lesions, seen on an MRI. White matter is actually affected by a number of different diseases and conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. What doctors refer to as white matter disease is actually more of a symptom than a disease. Some diseases and problems in the body cause lesions to form on white matter, while others may actually cause the white matter to start wearing away.

Causes

• Developing white matter lesions is a normal part of the aging process. The lesions are very common in the elderly and are present in older people even if they have no health problems. High blood pressure and strokes tend to cause lesions on white matter. In addition, a history of migraines may indicate an increased likelihood of developing white matter lesions late in life. A connection has also been shown between white matter lesions and diabetes. While not typically associated with the elderly, multiple sclerosis also damages the brain's white matter.

Symptoms

• White matter helps to facilitate many of our brain processes, so the symptoms of white matter disease are extremely numerous and varied. Some people with white matter lesions have no problems. Older people with white matter disease tend to think and walk more slowly than usual. White matter disease can also cause some older people to have trouble balancing, causing them to walk with an unsteady gait. Other symptoms include blurred vision, loss of eye color, muscle weakness, vertigo, stuttering, seizures and acid reflux.

Treatment

• People with white mater disease are often given vitamin supplements, specifically vitamin B6, and may have to adjust any other medications they are taking. Controlling blood pressure is an important way to help stop white matter problems from getting worse. In addition, many patients receive migraine treatment since these treatments open the blood vessels to further reduce blood pressure. Physical therapy is also recommended.