Age-related white matter changes in Asia

ABSTRACT

Age-related white matter changes are common in the elderly and are considered as manifestation of arteriolosclerotic small vessel disease. Most recent studies have shown that the white matter changes are associated with cognitive impairment and dementia, urinary incontinence, gait disturbances, depression and increased risk of stroke and death. Although the clinical phenotypes of the white matter changes have been extensively studied, to date, only few clinical trials have been conducted in this area. In this review, we discussed the current understanding in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, chemical biomarkers, clinical importance, and management of age-related white matter changes, with special emphasis in studies that were conducted among Asians.