Diseases

Multi-Infarct Dementia

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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

SYMPTOMS

Changes in sleep patterns
Hallucinations
Difficulty with basic tasks, such as dressing and preparing meals
Delusions
Depression
Poor judgment
Social withdrawal
Memory loss

CAUSES

Mid is caused by a series of small strokes. A stroke, or infarct, is the interruption or blockage of blood flow to any part of the brain. The term “multi-infarct” means many strokes and many areas of damage. If blood flow is stopped for more than a few seconds, brain cells can die from a lack of oxygen. This damage is usually permanent.