Multi-infarct dementia is a subclass of vascular dementia.

Infarct refers to tissue damage following cessation of bloodflow, as after a stroke. Sometimes, a stroke can be small and temporary; blood flow is weakened or blocked only for a brief period of time. In this case, the stroke is called a transient ischemic attack or TIA. The symptoms (such as dizziness, blurred vision or mild weakness in an arm or leg) may only last a few hours and appear to clear up on their own. Many individuals do not seek medical treatment, and may not even realize they have had a small stroke. In many cases, there is no lasting brain or neurological damage. However, a series of repeated small strokes can cause accumulated damage to the brain. Over time, they can cause widespread disruption and dementia.