We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Causes Changes in White Matter?

By Karize Uy
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 30,389
References
Share

There are a lot of causes for changes in white matter; some are natural factors that occur normally and are generally harmless. Other causes can be neurological diseases that can specifically target the brain. There are also some external factors that can cause white matter changes, such as recreational drugs, inhalants, and other substances that are harmful to a person’s overall health.

One common factor that causes changes in white matter is aging. Almost all cells inside the human body are constantly renewed, including the neurons located in the white matter. The regeneration process, however, slows down when the person ages and can sometimes result in changes, like lesions or scar-like patches in the brain, or ultimately, death of the neurons. These changes are said to begin at the age of 60 and decrease a person’s cognitive ability. This is why many elderly people experience forgetfulness and deterioration and are sometimes described as senile.

Diseases that are known to be “degenerative” can also bring about changes in white matter, sometimes slowly and sometimes in rapid progression. Examples of these diseases are multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. White matter is the brain’s “wiring system” that connects the cells within the gray matter to each other. When the white matter experience changes or does not regenerate properly, it cannot transmit messages to the gray matter’s cell bodies, and information such as muscle movements and memory recall cannot be processed. Other medical conditions that can affect the white matter include hypertension, strokes, and severe migraines.

Substance abuse can also cause major deterioration and changes in white matter, especially through continuous use. Inhalants, substances and drugs that are introduced via inhalation are especially dangerous because they shoot towards the brain more rapidly. These drugs are considered toxic to the body, and when they enter the brain, they disrupt the communication process between the gray and white matter and eventually destroy the latter’s neurons. Examples of these inhalants are methamphetamine, heroin, and even cigarettes. Some inhalants can also come in the form of household products such as hairspray, dust and insect repellants and nail polish remover.

White matter changes can be delayed, prevented, and sometimes treated. Being involved in mentally-challenging activities and games can keep the brain functioning properly. A healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise can also help keep strokes and hypertension at bay. Avoiding vices such as drug use, smoking, and alcohol is also advisable. For patients with degenerative diseases, doctors usually recommend treatment or medication to regulate and lessen the effects of the disease.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
By laughlion56 — On Mar 11, 2014

White matter in the brain allows different parts of the brain to communicate. Damaged white matter is found in many brain diseases including: Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and more.

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-causes-changes-in-white-matter.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.