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ID: 10621
Title:NINDS Multi-Infarct Dementia Information Page.
Publication Year: 2010
Format(s): Fact Sheet , Online Resource
Language(s): English
Audience(s): Families of Patients , Family Caregivers , Older Americans , General Public/Consumers , Patient Educators
Source: Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). updated September 30, 2010. 2 p.

Abstract: This information page provides an overview of multi-infarct dementia (MID), including what it is, how it is treated, the prognosis for patients, and the research that is being done. It includes a link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients. MID is a common cause of memory loss in the elderly. It is caused by multiple strokes, or disruption of blood flow to the brain, which leads to damaged brain tissue. Some of these strokes may occur without noticeable clinical symptoms. Doctors call these “silent strokes.” A person having a silent stroke may not even know it is happening, but over time, as more areas of the brain are damaged, the symptoms of MID begin to appear. These symptoms include confusion or problems with short-term memory; wandering or getting lost in familiar places; walking with rapid, shuffling steps; losing bladder or bowel control; laughing or crying inappropriately; have difficulty following instructions; and having difficulty counting money. Because the symptoms of MID are similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease, it can be difficult for the doctor to make a firm diagnosis. There is no treatment to reverse the brain damage that is caused by stroke. Treatment for MID focuses on preventing future strokes by controlling or avoiding the medical conditions that put people at high risk for stroke.

Notes: Copyright: no.

Availability: Available from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke's (NINDS) Brain Resources and Information Network. P.O. Box 5801, Bethesda, MD 20824. (800) 352-9424; (301) 496-5751; TTY: (301) 468-5981. E-mail: braininfo@ninds.nih.gov. Website: http://www.ninds.nih.gov. PRICE: free online access and free print copy can be requested.
Major Descriptor(s): MULTI-INFARCT-DEMENTIA , STROKE , VASCULAR-DEMENTIA , SYMPTOMS
Minor Descriptor(s): PREVENTION , CLINICAL-TRIALS , RESEARCH-STUDIES , PROGNOSIS , ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE
Link(s): http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multi_infarct_dementia/multi_infarct_dementia.htm

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