What is Multi-Infarct Dementia?
Multi-infarct dementia (MID) is a common cause of memory loss in the elderly.
MID is caused by multiple strokes (disruption of blood flow to the brain).
Disruption of blood flow leads to damaged brain tissue. Some of these strokes
may occur without noticeable clinical symptoms. Doctors refer to these as
"silent strokes." An individual having a silent stroke may not even know it is
happening, but over time, as more areas of the brain are damaged and more small
blood vessels are blocked, the symptoms of MID begin to appear. MID can be
diagnosed by an MRI or CT of the brain, along with a neurological examination.
Symptoms include confusion or 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. MID, which typically begins between the ages of 60 and 75, affects
men more often than women. Because the symptoms of MID are so similar to
Alzheimer’s disease, it can be difficult for a doctor to make a firm diagnosis.
Since the diseases often occur together, making a single diagnosis of one or the
other is even more problematic.
Is there any treatment?
There is no treatment available to reverse brain damage that has been caused
by a stroke. Treatment focuses on preventing future strokes by controlling or
avoiding the diseases and medical conditions that put people at high risk for
stroke: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular
disease. The best treatment for MID is prevention early in life – eating a
healthy diet, exercising, not smoking, moderately using alcohol, and maintaining
a healthy weight.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with MID is generally poor. The symptoms of the
disorder may begin suddenly, often in a step-wise pattern after each small
stroke. Some people with MID may even appear to improve for short periods of
time, then decline after having more silent strokes. The disorder generally
takes a downward course with intermittent periods of rapid deterioration. Death
may occur from stroke, heart disease, pneumonia, or other infection.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts
research related to MID in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health
(NIH), and also supports additional research through grants to major medical
institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better
ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure the vascular dementias, such as MID.
Organizations
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 5C27 MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892-2292
www.nia.nih.gov
Tel: 301.496.1752 800.222.2225 TTY: 800.222.4225
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
6001 Executive Blvd. Rm. 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
nimhinfo@nih.gov
www.nimh.nih.gov
Tel: 301.443.4513/866.415.8051 301.443.8431 (TTY)
Fax: 301.443.4279
Source: National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/7/2009...#6063
