Will Fazekas grade 1 lead to Alzheimer's disease?

Jun 23, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Fazekas grade 1 does not necessarily indicate Alzheimer's disease, but it may increase the risk of Alzheimer's, particularly when associated with chronic conditions or as an early manifestation of neurodegenerative disease. Elderly individuals should maintain a healthy lifestyle, improve dietary habits, engage in appropriate physical exercise, enhance physical fitness, and reduce the risk of illness in their daily lives.

Generally, a Fazekas grade 1 does not necessarily indicate Alzheimer's disease. However, under circumstances associated with chronic diseases or as an early manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases, it may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. If abnormalities are detected, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Fazekas scale is an imaging criterion used to assess cerebral white matter hyperintensities. Fazekas grade 1 refers to the presence of minor lesions or vascular changes in the cerebral white matter, appearing as punctate white matter hyperintensities. Such mild lesions typically do not cause significant cognitive decline, nor do they necessarily progress to Alzheimer's disease. Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's clinical symptoms, neuropsychological test results, and changes observed in brain imaging. Fazekas grade 1 alone is insufficient to serve as the sole or definitive basis for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease.

However, if the white matter changes classified as Fazekas grade 1 are associated with chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, and these conditions are not effectively controlled, they may further compromise brain health and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, if Fazekas grade 1 lesions represent early signs of certain neurodegenerative diseases, patients may experience cognitive decline as the disease progresses, potentially developing into Alzheimer's disease.

Older adults should maintain a healthy lifestyle in daily life, improve dietary habits, engage in appropriate physical exercise, enhance physical fitness, and reduce the risk of illness.

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