Leukoaraiosis. A Short Review

Leukoaraiosis (LA) is the widely accepted definition for the changes in the white matter of the brain frequently detected in the elderly by neuroimaging techniques. LA has a vascular pathogenesis and is a definite contributory factor for stroke, cognitive decline and dementia. Theoretically, though not yet in practice, if these lesions are detected at an early stage treatment can be instituted promptly, thereby preventing a catastrophic event later. Here we concisely review the relevant literature and stress the imaging of LA and its clinical significance.