In line with results of these previous studies, the key finding of our study is that 1) plasma Klotho concentration was negatively associated with the presence of cerebral SVD, such as HWMHs, HPVSs, CMBs (even though this was noted in univariate analysis only) and ALIs, 2) plasma Klotho concentration was negatively correlated an increased burden of cerebral SVD and 3) plasma Klotho concentration was also negatively related with progression of cerebral SVD in stroke patients. This evidence concerns the gene KL and Stroke.