Multi-infarct dementia

Reviewed by Dr Dan Rutherford, GP

What is multi-infarct dementia?

Multi-infarct dementia is a form of dementia caused by large numbers of small blood clots (emboli) in the brain that starve the brain cells of oxygen.

This disease mainly affects elderly people with arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Risk factors for arteriosclerosis include high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and smoking. An irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) can give rise to tiny blood clots, which can lodge in the brain and cause strokes too.

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.

Under which conditions is there an increased risk of multi-infarct dementia?

Every condition known to increase the risk of arteriosclerosis or blood clots also increases the risk of multi-infarct dementia. These are:

smoking

high blood pressure

high cholesterol

Type 1 and 2 diabetes (particularly if badly regulated)

irregular cardiac action (heart beat)

occlusion (closing) of blood vessels leading to the brain.

This means that if arteriosclerosis can be limited in its effect so can multi-infarct dementia.

How is this disease detected?

Multi-infarct dementia develops slowly. The first sign can be impaired memory. Eventually this impairment becomes so serious that something is obviously wrong. Dementia starts to show and everyday tasks become more difficult - and sometimes impossible.

At first, the patient may suspect that something is wrong and this can be an extremely unpleasant experience. But as the disease continues to evolve, this awareness will usually disappear. The problem is then the concern of the patient's family and doctor.

What are the danger signs?

Many people have a poor memory which is quite normal. But if it becomes increasingly problematic and you cannot handle situations like crowds, it can be a sign of impending dementia. It is crucial to see a doctor. Try not to jump to conclusions yourself, because there can be a thin line between small unimportant lapses and actual dementia.

What can you do?

To prevent the onset of multi-infarct dementia you can:

eat less fatty food.

stop or reduce smoking.

have your blood pressure taken regularly by your doctor.

if you have an irregular heart beat, consult a doctor, as it could be caused by irregular electrical activity in the valves of your heart.

if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes it is very important that you control it properly.

a daily glass of red wine probably decreases the risk of emboli (clots), due to its content of phenols.

How does the doctor make a diagnosis?

Many diseases have symptoms that are like those of multi-infarct dementia and some of these are curable. You will be screened for these diseases, so that they are eliminated when the doctor is making the diagnosis:

metabolic diseases

vitamin B-12 (cobalamine) deficiency

dehydration

depression.

<<Back



The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved