Formerly known as multi-infarct dementia; it is the result of multiple cerebral infarcts in persons with atherosclerotic disease. Typically, the course is one of a period of clinical stability punctuated by sudden significant cognitive and functional losses (stepwise deterioration).
A form of mental degeneration due to disease of the blood vessels in the brain.
A form of dementia caused by a series of small strokes (damage to brain tissue from an interruption in the blood supply to the brain). Vascular dementia is also known as multi-infarct dementia. High blood pressure is the primary cause. The symptoms tend to occur and progress in steps. There may be only mild weakness in an arm or leg, slurred speech, or temporary dizziness or confusion. The condition then progresses as each stroke occurs, in contrast with the steady progression of symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to confusion and short-term memory problems, symptoms may include decreased judgment and understanding, disorientation, impaired speech, an inability to name objects, and difficulty concentrating. Affected people may have some improvement after a stroke but then symptoms worsen again after another stroke.