Leuko-araiosis: definition and clinical correlates--an overview.

Leuko-araiosis (LA) is a descriptive term coined by Hachinsky et al. to indicate bilateral and nearly symmetrical areas of decreased density of the periventricular white matter and centra semiovalia seen on CT or MRI scan. These findings are frequently observed in elderly people, but they seem to be more frequent or more severe in demented patients regardless of the etiology. Neurological abnormalities observed in patients with LA are nonspecific and insufficient to describe a definite clinical picture. The hypothesis that LA could be vascular in origin, even in Alzheimer patients is attractive but unproven.