This disease can cause stroke, dementia, migraine-like headaches, and psychiatric disturbances. Usually the damage is so slight that the change is noticeable only as a series of small steps. However over time, as more small vessels are blocked, there is a gradual mental decline. MID, which typically begins between the ages of 60 and 75, affects men more often than women. Currently there is no treatment for MID that can reverse the damage that has already occurred.
Treatment focuses on prevention of additional brain damage by controlling high blood pressure.
Prognosis for patients with MID is generally poor. Individuals with the disease may improve for short periods of time, then decline again. However, early treatment and management of blood pressure may prevent further progression of the disorder. The goals of this research are to improve the diagnosis of these disorders and to find ways to treat and prevent them. This fact sheet is in the public domain.