Health
Trent Johnston Shares White Matter Disease Diagnosis
Health Points
- Trent Johnston, 49, has been diagnosed with white matter disease, which commonly affects older adults.
- His condition is likely linked to untreated sleep apnea over many years.
- The Johnston family now plans to use CPAP machines to protect their brain health.
Trent Johnston of “7 Little Johnstons” revealed that he has white matter disease, a brain condition more typical in older age. He explained on the show that the disease involves dead brain tissue due to a lack of oxygen.
Doctors previously suspected multiple sclerosis after an MRI, but further testing confirmed white matter disease. His brain has shown significant tissue loss, with doctors saying it resembles that of an 81-year-old.
Johnston attributes the condition to years of untreated sleep apnea. He admitted, “I have had some form of sleep apnea my entire life, and I have not been using a CPAP machine.”
White matter disease affects axons in the brain, which support communication between different brain regions. The Cleveland Clinic notes that decreased blood flow to these areas leads to neurological changes, and symptoms may include memory issues, loss of balance, slower movements, mood changes, and incontinence.
Amber Johnston said, “White matter disease can cause a whole host of symptoms. The top three being memory loss, dizziness and incontinence.”
There is no way for Johnston to restore lost white matter. However, his family is now focusing on prevention. “Dad can’t get it back,” Amber said. “But Dad can prevent it from getting worse.”
Alex and Jonah Johnston, who also have sleep apnea, expressed concern about their own health. Alex shared, “I was feeling a little bit nervous for Dad about this whole white matter disease, basically like parts of his brain are basically dying.”
Trent hopes his experience encourages others to properly manage sleep apnea. “I’m an example of what can happen later,” he warned.
The Johnstons, who have achondroplasia, are at increased risk for sleep apnea, Amber said, due to the structure of their sinuses and airways.
Their story returns to screens on October 14 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.
Stay tuned for more updates on family health, and remember—addressing sleep concerns now can bring long-term benefits.
