White Matter Disease

White matter disease encompasses a spectrum of disorders characterized by demyelination or axonal loss. Clinical features include cognitive decline, motor deficits, and gait disturbances. Etiologies include vascular, genetic, toxic, or inflammatory processes. Pathophysiology involves loss of myelin, oligodendrocyte dysfunction, and axonal degeneration. Diagnosis relies on MRI and clinical correlation. Management is cause-specific, with supportive care and rehabilitation; prognosis depends on etiology and progression.