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White matter disease as a biomarker for long-term cerebrovascular disease and dementia

Aurauma Chutinet1, Natalia S Rost

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Thai Red Cross, 1873, Rama IV Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand, aurauma@yahoo.com.

Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
|February 6, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on brain MRI are markers of small vessel disease in aging individuals. Increased WMH indicate higher lifelong risks for stroke, cognitive decline, and disability.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Cerebrovascular Disease
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • White matter disease is frequently observed in aging brains via MRI as white matter hyperintensities (WMH), also known as leukoaraiosis.
  • WMH are recognized as radiographic indicators of underlying small cerebral vessel disease.
  • Population-based studies highlight WMH as a significant biomarker for long-term cerebrovascular conditions and dementia risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the conceptual framework and methodologies linking WMH to cerebrovascular disease.
  • To connect current knowledge on WMH with future research directions.
  • To underscore the predictive value of WMH for stroke, cognitive impairment, and functional disability.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and population-based studies.
  • Analysis of conceptual frameworks for understanding WMH.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on WMH as a biomarker.

Main Results:

  • WMH are established radiographic markers of small cerebral vessel disease.
  • The extent of WMH predicts long-term risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, and functional disability.
  • WMH serve as a significant biomarker in population studies for cerebrovascular disease and dementia.

Conclusions:

  • The presence and extent of WMH on brain MRI are crucial indicators of cerebrovascular health in aging.
  • Understanding WMH is vital for predicting lifelong risks associated with small vessel disease.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the implications and management of WMH.

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