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Editorial
White matter in the brain changes, as we age. Depending on how severe these changes are, those affected could Whave difficulty in moving around, as well as in keeping their balance. These changes are known as leukoaraiosis, and older people are commonly afflicted by the condition.
Recently, a study was done on 639 people of both genders, between the ages of 65 and 84. The participants were tested on their walking and balancing abilities. Age-related changes to the brain's white matter were found in the participants, in mild, moderate and severe degrees.
Those in whom the changes were severe did twice as poorly in the walking and balancing tests, on average, than those with mild changes. The scientists who conducted the study were of the opinion that the former were also twice as likely to experience falls. Those with moderate changes had a 150% greater chance of falling, than those who experienced mild changes.
The study assumes great importance, as falls and walking difficulties are often the causes of illness and death, in older people.
While exercise can improve walking and balance, the long-term efficacy of exercise protecting a person against these problems is not known. However, other related health issues, such as dementia not arising from Alzheimer's, could be tackled with the early identification of walking problems, by monitoring white-matter changes.
Despite not finding the cause of changes in white matter, and why they vary from person to person, scientists say there's a link between the symptom and high blood pressure that's not been treated adequately.
While researchers are busy analyzing gait-related problems, make sure that your gait in tackling Sudoku remains unimpaired, and the grey matter in your brain remains intact...
Editor