The effect of white matter lesions (WMLs) on the brain of elderly individuals is unclear. Most debate has focused on the clinical effect of WMLs on cognitive impairment. Large cross-sectional and longitudinal clinic- and population-based studies suggest that the effect of WMLs on global cognitive performance is relatively small, only individuals with the most severe degrees of WMLs having clinically relevant effects. Here, we review recent data suggesting that WMLs might affect brain function through impairment of brain plasticity and reserve. The clinical effect consists in inability of the brain to respond to interventions such as psychotropic drug medications or rehabilitative interventions.
White matter lesions in the elderly : pathophysiological hypothesis on the effect on brain plasticity and reserve / S. Galluzzi, C. Lanni, L. Pantoni, M. Filippi, G.B. Frisoni. - In: JOURNAL OF THE NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES. - ISSN 0022-510X. - 273:1-2(2008 Oct), pp. 3-9.
White matter lesions in the elderly : pathophysiological hypothesis on the effect on brain plasticity and reserve
L. Pantoni;
2008
Abstract
The effect of white matter lesions (WMLs) on the brain of elderly individuals is unclear. Most debate has focused on the clinical effect of WMLs on cognitive impairment. Large cross-sectional and longitudinal clinic- and population-based studies suggest that the effect of WMLs on global cognitive performance is relatively small, only individuals with the most severe degrees of WMLs having clinically relevant effects. Here, we review recent data suggesting that WMLs might affect brain function through impairment of brain plasticity and reserve. The clinical effect consists in inability of the brain to respond to interventions such as psychotropic drug medications or rehabilitative interventions.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
---|---|---|---|
PIIS0022510X08003079.pdf
accesso riservato
Tipologia:
Publisher's version/PDF
Dimensione
605.15 kB
Formato
Adobe PDF
|
605.15 kB | Adobe PDF | Visualizza/Apri Richiedi una copia |
Pubblicazioni consigliate
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.