Epidemiology of white matter lesions.

This is an overview of the prevalence of, and risk factors for white matter lesions in older persons. The prevalence of white matter lesions is high and increases with age. Most risk factors that have been examined in association with white matter lesions are similar to those for cardiovascular disease, including elevated blood pressure, diabetes atherosclerosis, homocysteine levels, and markers of oxidative stress. The genetic contributions to white matter lesions are also reviewed.