<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.A brain MRI finding is in part: The ventricles, cisterns, and other CSF containing spaces are diffusely prominent secondary to parenchymal volume loss. This is stable. There are confluent periventricular and patchy subcortical foci of increased signal on T2FLAIR sequences consistent with gliosis secondary to chronic small vessel ischemic disease. These are stable. 1. What does this mean? 2. I am 85 years old, and about three months ago experienced an acute brain allergic reaction to a medication I was given. At that time, for about three weeks, I was confused and felt demented. Since then, I have largely recovered but feel some mild persisting reduction in intellectual functioning. My wife and I are considering moving from our present large single-family home to a senior-living community. Should we, considering the MRI findings, give preference to facilities equipped to deal with mental decline? If so, how much?  <response>: Hi, Thanks for writing in. The MRI scan brain is as explained below. Brain shows changes due to aging and this has been written are prominent ventricles and cisterns and also reduce brain volume. This is not a serious condition and is an expected finding in the elderly. Confluent periventricular T2 and FLAIR increased signal intensities is due to partial effects of decreased blood flow through the small arteries in the brain. This is nothing serious and can be seen in many people. This happens earlier in those having diabetes and hypertension. The acute brain allergic reaction is not responsible for all your finding in the brain. There is no requirement to seek additional facilities to deal with mental decline if you have made a near complete recovery from the confused and demented state you have had previously. Since you are 85 years old, a little amount of brain volume loss and ischemic small vessel changes are in line and not a big concern if thinking of moving to a community facility for elderly. 