Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Lesion Explorer: A Video-guided, Standardized Protocol for Accurate and Reliable MRI-derived Volumetrics in Alzheimer's Disease and Normal Elderly
12:50

Lesion Explorer: A Video-guided, Standardized Protocol for Accurate and Reliable MRI-derived Volumetrics in Alzheimer's Disease and Normal Elderly

Published on: April 14, 2014

[Age-related white matter lesions (leukoaraiosis): an update]

Yukio Miki1, Shinichi Sakamoto

  • 1Department of Radiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.

Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|July 9, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Leukoaraiosis, or age-related white matter hyperintensities, is a common finding on brain MRIs. It is linked to various health issues and poor outcomes, with age and hypertension as key risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Radiology
  • Pathology

Context:

  • Leukoaraiosis, characterized by age-related white matter hyperintensities, is frequently observed in brain MRI scans.
  • It is associated with significant neurological disturbances and negative prognoses, prompting extensive research.
  • Pathologies include demyelination, apoptosis, edema, axonal damage, gliosis, infarcts, and small vessel changes.

Purpose:

  • To explore the underlying pathologies and causes of leukoaraiosis.
  • To identify major risk factors and associated clinical disturbances.
  • To highlight the role of advanced MR imaging techniques in understanding leukoaraiosis.

Summary:

  • Leukoaraiosis involves diverse pathologies like demyelination, edema, and small vessel changes, primarily attributed to chronic ischemia.
  • Key risk factors include advanced age and hypertension.
  • Associated conditions encompass stroke, dementia, cognitive impairment, gait disturbances, falls, depression, and increased mortality risk.

Impact:

  • Understanding leukoaraiosis is crucial for predicting and managing neurological disorders.
  • Identifying risk factors like hypertension allows for targeted preventive strategies.
  • Advanced MR imaging technologies offer promising avenues for deeper insights and improved diagnostics.

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