Question: My brother is 75 and has just been diagnosed with something called “white matter” of the brain. What is this and what is the normal prognosis?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Diffuse white matter disease usually refers to small vessel disease in the white matter of the brain and brain shrinkage known as atrophy. No interventions are usually needed at this point. Although these changes may be common in his age group, the good news is there is no bleeding, tumor, or blood clot connected with his condition. Only his neurologist can provide a prognosis and his future health.