Multi-infarct Dementia

Multi-infarct dementia is a subclass of vascular dementia.

Infarct refers to tissue damage following cessation of bloodflow, as after a stroke. Sometimes, a stroke can be small and temporary; blood flow is weakened or blocked only for a brief period of time.

In this case, the stroke is called a transient ischemic attack or TIA.

Multi-infarct Dementia symptoms

The symptoms (such as dizziness, blurred vision or mild weakness in an arm or leg) may only last a few hours and appear to clear up on their own.

Many individuals do not seek medical treatment, and may not even realize they have had a small stroke. In many cases, there is no lasting brain or neurological damage.

However, a series of repeated small strokes can cause accumulated damage to the brain. Over time, they can cause widespread disruption and dementia.

by Catherine E. Myers. Copyright © 2006 Memory Loss and the Brain