Glia has discovered the mechanism behind the loss of white matter in those living with HIV. The reduction, while known for some time, has never fully been explained until now, the researchers of the study said.
The brain has both gray matter and white matter. Gray matter is made up of cell bodies of neurons, however, white matter comes from a fatty substance called myelin.
That substance coats the neurons, which protects the neurons and helps them send signals efficiently, according to Penn Today.