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Multi-Infarct Dementia

Multi-infarct dementia, also called, Vascular dementia, is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s Disease, occurring in approximately 15 – 35% of all the cases of dementia.

The development of multi-infarct dementia occurs when parts of the vascular system, such as small blood vessels in the brain which carry oxygen and nutrients, are blocked by blood clots or fatty deposits, causing parts of the brain to be damaged. “Multi-infarct” is a more clinical term that refers to the multiple areas in the brain that have been impacted by the disease.

Risk Factors For Multi-Infarct Dementia

Persons at risk for developing multi-infarct dementia would be those with a current or past history of high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, diabetes or heart attacks. All of these known risk factors make it one of the more preventable forms of dementia. Unfortunately, like the other dementias, multi-infarct dementia currently has no cure.

Symptoms of Multi-Infarct Dementia

There are a wide range of symptoms for multi-infarct dementia, including:

• difficulties with planning and concentration
• getting lost in familiar surroundings
• memory problems (but not always)
• problems with daily activities
• unusual behaviors
• inappropriate crying or laughing
• physical issues (often seen with strokes) such as
  • weakness in extremities
  • speech difficulties
  • slurred speech
• emotional or behavioral changes
• frustration, depression & anxiety concerning an awareness of their condition

Differences between Multi-Infarct dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Multi-infarct dementia is different than Alzheimer's Disease because Multi-infarct dementia often has an abrupt onset versus the slow beginnings of Alzheimer's symptoms. In addition, the physical issues such as body weakness in Multi-infarct dementia are in contrast with the usual lack of physical complaints with Alzheimer's. A final difference between the two diseases is the greater range of emotional issues that often comes with Multi-infarct dementia.

The average age of onset of Multi-infarct dementia is 65 while the risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease increases significantly with age. At age 65, a person has a one in 10 chance of developing Alzheimer’s Disease but that risk climbs to one in 3 persons by age 85.

It is important to note that Multi-infarct dementia can occur with Alzheimer’s Disease. If a person has both types of dementia, this is often referred to as “mixed dementia.”

Treatment Options

Although Multi-infarct dementia is unique in that we know how it occurs and how to prevent it yet no one knows how to cure it.

If Multi-infarct dementia is suspected, it is vital to get checked out by a physician immediately. One of the tests the physician most likely will perform is an MRI, since the actual brain damage by loss of the blood supply can be seen in this test. By knowing which parts of the brain have been affected, it will help the caregivers know what type of further symptoms and disease progression are likely.

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