Aging Begins at 30

Brain White Matter Changes and Gait

In an examination of 130 patients at West Virginia Hospitals with CAT scans, those with white matter abnormalities showed mild gait problems in 31% (versus 27% without leukoaraiosis) and moderate or severe gait problems in 49% (versus 12% without leukoaraiosis). In addition, the gait disturbances were more severe and were especially associated with white matter problems in the left frontal (forehead) region. These patients were often otherwise healthy. Gait abnormalities or disequilibrium are found in 15% of the elderly over 60, and increases with age. Gait problems were also independently found with loss of brain tissue or old strokes. The usual neurological examination usually did not show abnormalities despite these problems with walking. Gait disturbances can lead to later decline and death.

In another study from a variety of hospitals coordinated through Seattle, Washington, 1,268 men and women on drug treatment for high blood pressure had their white matter graded on MRI into 10 categories of density. Their mean age was 75 and 20% were black. The white matter score was higher for users of calcium channel blocker drugs and users of loop diuretics than for users of beta-blockers. No other drugs caused any significant change in brain white matter density. In addition, their mental ability questionnaire was worse for calcium channel blockers and loop diuretics than for beta-blockers. Hyperintensity of the white matter on MRI is most marked in patients whose blood pressure is poorly controlled.

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See related Patient Topics Brain and Nervous System or Brain Diseases.

See related Provider Topics Brain and Nervous System or Brain Diseases.

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