Multi-infarct dementia is often the result of a series of small strokes. Most common cause of vascular dementia is the blockage of small arteries supplying areas of the brain. In classical stroke, large blood vessels are blocked, resulting in the death of brain tissue supplied by that artery. The second most common cause of dementia in older adults is vascular dementia, which affects the blood vessels in the brain. A stroke occurs when blood cannot get to part of the brain. Strokes can be caused when a blood clot or fatty deposit (called plaque) blocks the vessels that supply blood to the brain. A stroke also can happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Dementia associated with cerebrovascular disease is also observed in a rare genetic condition, ie, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Protocols for the evaluation and treatment of stroke are available. Medications may be required to control aggressive or agitated behaviors or behaviors that are dangerous to the person or to others. Medications may include antipsychotics (especially the newer atypical agents, olanzapine and quetiapine), beta-blockers, and serotonin-affecting drugs such as trazodone (which may lower the blood pressure), buspirone, or fluoxetine. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (eg. galantamine , donepezil ) drugs work by increasing the level of a chemical (acetylcholine) within the brain of patients suffering from vascular dementia. The effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of vascular dementia has been proven in a number of recent clinical trials.

Causes of Multi Infarct Dementia

Common causes and Risk factors of Multi Infarct Dementia

Diabetes mellitus.

Hypertension.

Cardiomyopathy.

Possibly homocysteine levels.

Infection ( Herpes simplex encephalitis ).

Transient global amnesia.

Smoking.

Signs and Symptoms of Multi Infarct Dementia

Common Sign and Symptoms of Multi Infarct Dementia

Confusion.

Memory problems.

Wandering.

Bowel incontinence.

Localized numbness or tingling.

Swallowing difficulty. Problems handling money.

Treatment of Multi Infarct Dementia

Common Treatment of Multi Infarct Dementia

Cholinesterase inhibitors have shown to be helpful in various randomised controlled trials. .

Electroconvulsive therapy may be indicated in extreme cases provided. Protocols for the evaluation and treatment of stroke are available.

Medications may include antipsychotics (especially the newer atypical agents, olanzapine and quetiapine).

Beta-blockers, and serotonin-affecting drugs such as trazodone (which may lower the blood pressure), buspirone, or fluoxetine also useful treatment for multi infarct dememtia.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (eg. galantamine , donepezil ) drugs work by increasing the level of a chemical (acetylcholine) within the brain of patients suffering from vascular dementia.

Patients with agitation may respond to environmental modification. Pharmacologic treatment can be useful in controlling agitation through sedation.