Rarely Diagnosed: Reduced Brain White Matter
Overview Reduced brain white matter—medically referred to as white matter disease or leukoaraiosis—describes the degeneration or loss of white matter in the brain. White matter is a vital type of biological tissue found in both the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of bundles of nerve fibers that function like communication highways, allowing different regions of the brain to efficiently send and receive signals. Although white matter is not a single protein, it is a highly complex structure composed largely of fats and specialized proteins. A major component of white matter is the myelin sheath, a protective, insulating layer that surrounds nerve fibers and enables fast signal transmission. Proteins account for approximately 20–30% of this sheath and act as structural support to maintain its integrity. Key proteins involved include: Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) , which is essential for compacting the myelin sheath and keeping its layers tightly bound Proteolipid Protein (PLP) ...