Multi Infarct Dementia - Symptom, Causes, Treatment

Multi-infarct dementia is a common cause of memory loss in the elderly.  Multi-infarct dementia is caused by multiple strokes (disruption of blood flow to the brain). It is the most common form of vascular dementia, and accounts for 10-20% of all cases of progressive, or gradually worsening, dementia. It usually affects people between the ages of 60-75, and is more likely to occur in men than women. It can be diagnosed by an CT of the brain, along with a neurological examination. Multi-infarct dementia is not caused directly by the deposits of atherosclerotic plaque in the blood vessels of the brain, but by a series of strokes that leave areas of dead brain cells (infarction). Symptoms include problems with short-term memory; wandering, or getting lost in familiar places; walking with rapid, shuffling steps; losing bladder or bowel control; laughing or crying inappropriately; having difficulty following instructions; and having problems counting money and making monetary transactions. Memory loss is often an early symptom of the disorder, followed by trouble making judgments. This often progresses to delirium, hallucinations, and thinking problems.

Multi-infarct dementia develops slowly. Feelings of loneliness, boredom, or depression also can cause forgetfulness. The term refers to a group of syndromes caused by different mechanisms all resulting in vascular lesions in the brain. The consequences vary depending on the location and severity of the infarctions. Catastrophic reactions, where a person becomes withdrawn or extremely agitated, are also common in multi-infarct dementia. Confusion that occurs or is worsened at night is another common symptom. When the disease is diagnosed, nothing can be done about the damage that has occurred. But there are possibilities of preventing further brain damage. The cause of this disease is in principle identical to that of a stroke caused by a large blood clot. But in a person with multi-infarct dementia, the clots occur only in the small diameter blood vessels. Treatment is based on control of symptoms and the correction of the precipitating risk factors (high blood pressure and high cholesterol, especially). Other treatments may be advised based on the individual condition.

Causes of Multi infarct dementia

Here are the list of the possible causes of Multi infarct dementia:

• Large numbers of small blood clots (emboli) in the brain that starve the brain cells of oxygen.
• A history of stroke.
• Hypertension.
• Smoking.
• Alcohol consumption may be protective.
• Atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of Multi infarct dementia

Some sign and Symptoms related to Multi infarct dementia:

• Confusion and problems with recent memory.
• Aphasia (impaired language ability).
• Personality changes.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.
• Swallowing difficult.
• Uncoordinated or weak movements.
• Urinary incontinence.

Treatment of Multi infarct dementia

Some most common treatmet of Multi infarct dementia:

• Multi Infarct Dementia can be treatment. If you have cardiac irregularities as well, powerful anticoagulants are necessary such as warfarin or phenindione.
• Doctors sometimes prescribe aspirin or other drugs to prevent clots from forming in small blood vessels.
• Hospitalization may be required for a short time.
• To reduce symptoms of dementia, doctors may change or stop medications that can cause confusion, such as sedatives, antihistamines, strong painkillers, and other medications.
• Medications also can be prescribed to relieve restlessness or depression or to help patients sleep better.

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