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What Is White Matter Hyperintensity?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to diagnose various ailments of the brain, from dementia to tumors. This diagnostic tool can identify gray matter and white matter hyperintensity that could indicate deeper problems. When white matter hyperintensity appears, it is usually a result of old age, indicating a loss of blood flow; however, scientists have devised ways to measure how that hyperintensity can also point to dementia and other conditions.

White matter hyperintensity can occur in various places in the brain. When it occurs in the basal ganglia part of the brain, this is called subcortical hyperintensities. Near lateral ventricles, a periventricular hyperintensity can be observed. Finally, what is known as deep hypertensity can be observed in the depths of the brain's white matter.

Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to identify gray matter and white matter hyperintensity that indicates deeper problems.
Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to identify gray matter and white matter hyperintensity that indicates deeper problems.

No matter where in the brain it occurs, white matter hyperintensity reflects what is called demyelination, a deterioration of neural pathways caused by decreasing blood flow and/or disease. Affecting overall signal strength in the brain, when these hyperintensities are found in white matter at higher than average levels, it is likely to indicate either dementia or a higher probability that dementia will someday occur, according to recent studies, including a 2008 inquiry at Harvard University. Also, those with clinical depression or bipolar disorder are nearly three times more likely to have evident hyperintensities discovered during an MRI.

When white matter hyperintensity appears, it is usually a result of old age.
When white matter hyperintensity appears, it is usually a result of old age.

Scientists in 2011 are honing in on other possible links between white matter hyperintensity and a higher propensity for other human maladies like diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, strokes, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. Also referred to as brain rust, these particular hyperintensities are gaining interest in the scientific community, which, until the 21st century, dwelled primarily on research of gray matter. The consensus as of 2011 is that, though gray matter is of great importance, of equal relevance is the white matter. According to the University of California's Science Today, an apt comparison is this: A computer will not work if its various cables are frayed or broken.

White matter hyperintensities in the brain may indicate Alzheimer's disease.
White matter hyperintensities in the brain may indicate Alzheimer's disease.

Gray and white matter, so named for the colors they exhibit, both contain what are called axons, which facilitate nerve signals in the brain. Gray matter originates and receives these signals with blood capillaries and nerve cells. White matter facilitates the signals, such as the invisible signal that carries programming from a satellite to a satellite dish as well as the wire that carries that signal from the dish to each television in a home.

Discussion Comments

BouncingKiwi

I'm thinking the same thing about having an MRI. I am in my late 30s and am having a lot of memory issues. Sometimes I can't remember why I walked into the kitchen or why I bought something at the grocery store that I have never used as an ingredient before.

I also have a family history of dementia. I wonder if this is related to my memory, or lack thereof.

Robottom

If I were you, I would definitely make an appointment with my doctor as soon as possible. Your concerns are valid and the only way you are going to know for sure is if you speak with your doctor and find out exactly what your chances are of developing either of the diseases based upon your family history.

My own grandparents also suffered with dementia. I'm now wondering if I should schedule an MRI, too. I am 47 years old and would really like to know if I am already showing signs of white matter hypersensitivity. If so, I would amp up my savings, insurance coverages and 401K plan contributions to make sure that there is enough money to pay for my medical bills and my family's well-being if I do indeed develop dementia.

Frostrich

My sister has bipolar disorder and her white matter hypersensitivity levels are extremely high for a person aged 28. I am scared because two of my grandparents suffered from dementia, and our mom has recently been diagnosed with dementia.

Is white matter hypersensitivity genetic, and if so, am I at a higher risk of developing dementia or bipolar disorder ? Should I ask my doctor to schedule an MRI?

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    • Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to identify gray matter and white matter hyperintensity that indicates deeper problems.
      By: Mikhail Basov
      Magnetic resonance imaging may be used to identify gray matter and white matter hyperintensity that indicates deeper problems.
    • When white matter hyperintensity appears, it is usually a result of old age.
      By: kolotype
      When white matter hyperintensity appears, it is usually a result of old age.
    • White matter hyperintensities in the brain may indicate Alzheimer's disease.
      By: riccardo bruni
      White matter hyperintensities in the brain may indicate Alzheimer's disease.
    • People who have depression or bipolar disorder are roughly three times more likely than others to have evident hyperintensities.
      By: Antonioguillem
      People who have depression or bipolar disorder are roughly three times more likely than others to have evident hyperintensities.
    • Scientists are studying a possible link between white matter hyper-intensity and diseases like multiple sclerosis.
      By: joshya
      Scientists are studying a possible link between white matter hyper-intensity and diseases like multiple sclerosis.
    • White matter hyperintensity may occur in various places in the brain.
      By: designua
      White matter hyperintensity may occur in various places in the brain.
    • In patients with Alzheimer's, deep white matter is significantly altered as the disease progresses.
      By: godfer
      In patients with Alzheimer's, deep white matter is significantly altered as the disease progresses.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to diagnose various ailments of the brain.
      By: EPSTOCK
      Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to diagnose various ailments of the brain.
    • Myelin nerve sheaths are degraded in cases of multiple sclerosis.
      By: designua
      Myelin nerve sheaths are degraded in cases of multiple sclerosis.