it has been mentioned that my MIL has Multi Infarct Dementia, which is also known as Vascular Dementia. VERY common .. caused by multi TIA's. Not noticeable until a severe 'drop down' of symptoms ... like .. last week they could tie their shoe laces. This week, they can't. Next week, they might be able to.
I found this at a website I can't mention:
Quote:
Vascular Dementia (MID, Multi-infarct dementia) is caused by a series of small strokes that gradually lead to a loss of intellectual functioning. The strokes occur when blood clots block small blood vessels, causing damage to brain tissue. The damage is usually gradual and effects of the strokes are not immediately noticeable. Over time, however, the damage interferes with basic cognitive functions and disrupts everyday functioning. Vascular dementia can occur with other types of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. The disease progresses over a period of months and years.
People with vascular dementia are known to go long periods of time with improvement or stability, but when a stroke occurs, the symptoms quickly come back. Risk factors for vascular dementia include high blood pressure and advanced age. Controlling high blood pressure is imperative in lowering your risk of stroke.
An individual with an acute onset of cognitive impairment may not have dementia, but rather delirium caused by an infection, adverse reaction to medication, malnutrition, dehydration, or a metabolic disorder. The person should seek immediate medical attention to reverse the symptoms. It should also be noted that a person with dementia might also develop delirium and be unable to describe their symptoms. If there is a sudden or drastic change in the behavior or physical condition of someone diagnosed with dementia, the person should see a physician immediately. It may be a treatable problem.
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And the way it was described to me was:
Every single neuron in our brain has a little blood supply going to it. Sometimes that blood supply get's cut off. No particular reason, just happens. Happens to all of us. You notice, you've forgotten a phone number you KNOW you know or a name you KNOW you know ... and, in NORMAL circumstances, within a day or so you will remember. With Multi-Infarcts, the day or so remembering doesn't happen. And so, with every little Transic Ieschemic Attack (sp??) (eg: Broken Neuron) something goes missing. It's usually not noticed until something MAJOR is forgotten (like how to drive to Bob's place). They can still drive, but have no idea how to get to a destination.
I've over simplified this, but hopefully you get the gist.
Hope this helps a little ... please scream out for more info if you like LOL, but it does explain why your Mum is good some days, and not so good others.
Hugs
Sally
Re: Vascular Dementia 
