Multi-infarct Dementia

The second most common cause of Dementia, after Alzheimer’s Disease, is Multi-Infarct Dementia. This means Dementia caused by multiple strokes. Since Dementia is characterized by a global, significant loss of cognitive function, and each stroke may damage an area of brain and thereby cause a loss of cognitive function in a specific area, it is not difficult to see how multiple strokes may lead to Dementia.

Since strokes are usually visible on brain imaging studies such as CT scans, Multi-infract Dementia may be suspected on the basis of neuroimaging results. Additionally, the pattern of Multi-Infarct Dementia progression is one of a step-wise decline – with sudden drops in function followed by periods of relative stability. Also, there is often a history of known strokes and risk factors for stroke (such as diabetes, certain heart conditions, smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol).

Since there are known interventions for preventing strokes, multi-infarct Dementia is a condition where we may be able to prevent continued progression by preventing strokes. Antiplatelet agents (such as aspirin), anticholesterol treatment with statin-type medications, treatment of high blood pressure, and stopping smoking each afford about a 30% relative stroke risk reduction.