Is small vessel ischemic disease dangerous?
On One Hand: The Disease Is CommonWhite matter abnormalities in the brain caused by small vessel ischemic disease are common in healthy elderly individuals. Deficits caused by small vessel ischemic disease are minor but incremental, and so progression of the disease is gradual. Patients can have widespread white matter disease and still maintain normal cognitive function.On the Other: The Disease Can Indicate Other ProblemsAbnormalities of white matter can indicate an increased risk of dementia. In addition, such abnormalities are seen frequently in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and genetics can cause more widespread deficits.Bottom LineAccording to Drs. Ola Selnes and Harry Vinters, in their journal article “Vascular Cognitive Impairment,” evidence is beginning to show that widespread white matter abnormalities like those associated with ischemic disease can indicate a deeper, more serious condition referred to as “covert” hypoxia-relat
