Common Causes Of White Matter Disease

History Of Strokes

When individuals suffer from strokes, their brain is affected on one side. It’s not common that a stroke will affect both sides at the same time. If a patient suffers from a stroke, one side of their body becomes immobile. For example, if they have a stroke on the left side of their brain, the right side of their body is affected. Since the brain is affected by strokes, it’s not unusual for the tissue in the brain to see some residual effects. If patients have a history of strokes, they will want to discuss their issues with their doctor to monitor their brain for any signs of white matter disease and to help treat it as quickly and effectively as possible, should it develop.

Heart Disease

Heart disease may increase an individual's risk of developing white matter disease. Cardiovascular diseases are some of the most common conditions in adults throughout the United States, and heart disease is the country's biggest cause of death. One in four deaths in the United States are related to heart disease, and scientists have found correlations between cardiovascular health and brain health. Patients with heart disease are more likely to have brain problems like stroke and white matter disease. There are multiple different types of heart disease. One of the most common is coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries of the heart, leading to narrowing and potential blockage.