Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Mild cerebral atrophy ?

01/23/2006

Question:

What is mild cerebral atrophy as per MRI finding ? Is it of any serious consequence ?

Answer:

This finding is not generally of any serious consequence.  The size of the brain decreases as we age.  Cerebral atrophy means that the brain is smaller than expected for age, but many “normal” people (who don’t have any neurological disease or neurological symptoms) have such a finding.  “Moderate to severe atrophy” can be seen in chronic neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s dementia.  “Atrophy” is thus associated with memory disorders and other progressive neurologic problems.

It would be best to discuss the relevance of this finding for you with the doctor who knows your entire medical history. 

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