White matter provides connections between the different parts of the brain.
The brain is made up of a mixture of grey matter and white matter.
White matter is found in the deeper tissues known as the subcortical area.
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This article discusses white matter in the brain and the conditions that impact it.
It also explains the role of white matter disease on memory and dementia.
What Is White Matter?
The myelin is what gives white matter its white color.
White matter axons connect nerve cells (neurons).
Myelin speeds up the signals between the cells, enabling the brain cells to quickly send and receive messages.
It also provides insulation for the fibers, preventing the brain from short-circuiting.
Thepresence of white matter hyperintensitieshas been correlated with a higher risk of stroke, which can lead tovascular dementia.
Initially, white matter disease was thought to simply be related to aging.
Other research found that when adults learned new skills, the amount of white matter in their brains increased.
This was true for learning to read as an adult and learning to juggle.
Additionally, white matter increased relative to the number of hours that professional musicians practiced their instruments.
Research shows exercise, mental activity, and meditation can improve the health of your body and brain.
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