Multi-Infarct Dementia
Multi-Infarct Dementia Causes
Factors that cause multi-infarct dementia are closely correlated to factors that increase the risk of blood clots (or arteriosclerosis). Any of the following are known risk factors for multi-infarct dementia: smoking; high cholesterol; high blood pressure; type 1 and type 2 diabetes; irregularities in heart beat; as well as occlusion of blood vessels leading to the brain.
Multi-Infarct Dementia Definition
Multi-Infarct Dementia is a common type of dementia occurring in elderly people aged 65 years old and above. The term usually pertains to a group of syndromes resulting from vascular lesions in the brain.
Multi-Infarct Dementia Diagnosis
Multi-infract dementia can be suspected based on evident symptoms such as irregular cardiac activity or complete occlusion of the major vessels leading to the brain. A cerebral computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain is often necessary in confirming a multi-infarct dementia diagnosis.
Multi-Infarct Dementia Symptoms and Signs
At the onset, multi-infarct dementia manifests with minor strokes along with: mild limb weakness; distorted speech; dizziness; as well as slight impairment to short-term memory. An impaired memory is usually the first sign of this dementia. As the disease progresses, a more distinct dementia may be observed with the following symptoms: problems with recent memory; wandering or getting lost in otherwise familiar places; walking with rapid shuffling steps; disinhibition; loss of bladder or bowel control; emotional liability; difficulty following simple instructions; problems handling money; and cardiac irregularities.
Multi-Infarct Dementia Treatment
Damage caused by multi-infract dementia is irreversible; however, further progression of the disease can be prevented with medications to stop blood clotting, such as clopidogrel (Plavix), dipyridamole (Persantin), or aspirin. Cardiac irregularities can be dealt with using anticoagulants. The disease itself is untreatable, and the entirety of treatment is mostly focused on supportive care.