[Relation between multiple infarcts and vascular (multi-infarct) dementia].

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Geriatrics

Context:

• Investigated 77 patients with multiple cerebral infarcts identified via computerized tomography (CT).
• Assessed patient history for stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and clinically defined stroke events (PRIND, completed stroke).
• Evaluated psychiatric findings, specifically dementia, in patients without significant aphasia or decreased consciousness.

Purpose:

• To explore the relationship between dementia and the location of cerebral infarcts in patients with multiple lesions.
• To determine if CT-detected atrophy patterns differ between patients with and without dementia.

Summary:

• Of 77 patients, 45 had completed strokes, 20 had PRIND, and 2 had TIAs only.
• Among 68 patients without aphasia or decreased consciousness, 37 had dementia and 31 did not.
• Dementia patients showed significantly more infarcts in the dominant hemisphere on CT scans.
• Cerebral atrophy distribution was comparable between dementia and non-dementia groups.

Impact:

• Highlights potential neuroanatomical correlates of dementia in stroke patients.
• Suggests dominant hemisphere infarcts may be a significant factor in dementia development post-stroke.
• Informs diagnostic and prognostic considerations for patients with cerebrovascular disease and cognitive decline.