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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
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NetWellness is a global, community service providing quality, unbiased health information from our partner university faculty. NetWellness is commercial-free and does not accept advertising.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
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Alzheimer's Disease |
Alzheimer's Disease and Atrophy of the Brain06/07/2005 |
I am only 50 years old, and have been diagnosed with atrophy of the brain. I had a normal MRI in 1998, and an abnormal one in 2004(dr. said it looked like a 70-80 year old brain.) After other testing, he is now sending me to have an Alzheimer`s test and a full Dementia workup. Question: have you ever heard of someone my age having a brain like this?, If so, then what possible thing could be the cause? I am not an alcoholic, HIV, head injury problem.
Atrophy of the brain is an MRI description, not a diagnosis. It is also quite a subjective measurement with lots of potential errors. This means that the meaning and cause of your brain atrophy is very uncertain.
It is important to know that all people will show some degree of atrophy of the brain as they age and atrophy does not necessarily mean there is something wrong. There are many causes for atrophy of the brain that goes beyond what would be expected with aging. Some neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or other dementias can cause atrophy of the brain.
It is not clear from your question if you are experiencing changes in your memory and thinking. It will be very important for you to follow through with the workup your doctor has recommended to more fully determine the significance of your MRI findings.
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Paula K Ogrocki, PhD Assistant Professor of Neurology School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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Peter J Whitehouse, MD, PhD Professor of Neurology School of Medicine Case Western Reserve University |
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