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Age-related white matter changes — also known as leukoaraiosis — are noted commonly on magnetic resonance imaging studies of the brain in elders. This imaging finding has been associated with incontinence, difficulty in walking, and cognitive impairment. In a multicenter, longitudinal European study, investigators assessed whether age-related white matter changes also predict functional decline. The study involved 639 elders (mean age, 74; 45% men) with nondisabling neurological symptoms or complaints who underwent brain MRIs that showed white matter changes.
At baseline, age-related white matter changes were mild in 44% of patients, moderate in 31%, and severe in 25%. After a mean follow-up of 2.4 years, rates of transition from independenc…