Changes in white matter as determinant of global functional decline in older independent outpatients: three year follow-up of LADIS (leukoaraiosis and disability) study cohort
The study from Inzitar, et.al (2009) showed that leukoaraiosis is an
independent risk factor for functional disability. Previous reports
showed that leukoaraiosis progresses over time. Progression of
leukoaraiosis relates to cognitive decline, but this association is
complex and modulated by other morphological factors like brain atrophy.
Leukoaraiosis has been inconsistently associated with cognitive
impairment, assorted motor dysfunctions, and gait disturbances. This new
evidence has suggested that leukoaraiosis may be clinically important.
Patients with leukoaraiosis have a poor prognosis in terms of death,
stroke, and myocardial infarction. Leukoaraiosis may be an independent and
strong predictor of dementia in stroke patients. The presence of
leukoaraiosis also increases the risk of intracranial bleeding in patients
with cerebrovascular diseases treated with anticoagulants. All of the
above-mentioned results will require clinicians to examine in greater
detail the status of the brain before deciding optimal preventive
measures.
Rapid Response:
Leukoaraiosis and Cognitive Fundtion
The study from Inzitar, et.al (2009) showed that leukoaraiosis is an
independent risk factor for functional disability. Previous reports
showed that leukoaraiosis progresses over time. Progression of
leukoaraiosis relates to cognitive decline, but this association is
complex and modulated by other morphological factors like brain atrophy.
Leukoaraiosis has been inconsistently associated with cognitive
impairment, assorted motor dysfunctions, and gait disturbances. This new
evidence has suggested that leukoaraiosis may be clinically important.
Patients with leukoaraiosis have a poor prognosis in terms of death,
stroke, and myocardial infarction. Leukoaraiosis may be an independent and
strong predictor of dementia in stroke patients. The presence of
leukoaraiosis also increases the risk of intracranial bleeding in patients
with cerebrovascular diseases treated with anticoagulants. All of the
above-mentioned results will require clinicians to examine in greater
detail the status of the brain before deciding optimal preventive
measures.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests