My 82 yo dad is in hospital following several falls. He has a history if heavy drinking (stopped 10 years ago), high blood sugar and irregular heartbeat. His cholesterol is normal. He suffers from depression. A CT of brain was normal except for "extensive confluent areas of low attenuation in white matter, consistent with marked chronic ischemic degenerative change." also Mod. To severe diffuse volume loss, marked atherosclerotic calcification of carotid siphons and distal vertebral artery.
He has some confusion-- couldnt recall his exact birthday, but he continues to read voraciously . Could he have suffered a mini stroke? Does the CT indicate alcohol induced brain damage? With abstinence from alcohol and controlling blood sugar, can his white matter recover or is the loss permanent? Thank you.