Multi-infarct Dementia
Multi-infarct dementia (MID) can cause a dementia similar to Alzheimer
disease (AD). However, no pathologic findings are present
characteristic of AD. Instead, there are multiple ischemic lesions in the
cerebral cortex that cumulatively result in loss of enough neurons to
produce dementia. Most patients with MID have an abrupt onset of
cognitive symptoms along with an incremental loss of mental function.
Focal neurologic deficits can be present, depending upon the size and
location of the infarcts. In some cases, though, there is gradual loss of
mental function. Pathologically, marked cerebral arterial
atherosclerosis and/or thromboembolic disease can account for the
appearance of many infarcts, typically small and scattered. (Perl, 2000)