Mild Cognitive Impairment

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition where a person experiences noticeable changes in memory or thinking that are greater than expected with normal aging. These changes may be subtle and are often first noticed by the individual or by close family members or friends. While cognitive abilities are impacted, MCI does not significantly interfere with daily activities or independent living.

Mild Cognitive Impairment can remail stable, improve over time or progress to dementia. According to the National Institute on Aging, approximately 10 – 20% of people over age 65 with MCI develop dementia each year.

Although MCI increases the risk of dementia, not everyone with MCI will progress to Alzheimer’s [LINK to new Alzheimer’s Disease condition page] or another form of dementia.

Who is Affected?

• Adults (65+)
• Both men and women

What Are the Causes & Risk Factors of MCI?

Mild Cognitive Impairment can be caused by changes in the brain related to aging, neurological disease or other medical conditions. In some cases, the cause is not clear.

Risk Factors You Cannot Control

• Increasing age
• Family history of cognitive impairment or dementia
• Genetic factors
• Certain neurological conditions

Risk Factors You Can Control

• Stroke
• Vascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Unmanaged Depression
• Unmanaged Sleep Disorders
• Lack of Physical Activity

Who Is Most at Risk?

Older adults are at the highest risk for developing Mild Cognitive Impairment. People with cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, may also have a higher risk. A history of depression or traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also increase the risk of MCI.

What Steps Can You Take to Reduce Your Risk?

While MCI cannot always be prevented, certain healthy lifestyle habits may help support brain health, including:

• Manage chronic health conditions (including blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes)
• Stay physically active
• Eat a balanced, heart healthy diet
• Stay socially and mentally engaged
• Get adequate sleep
• Stop – or don’t start – smoking

Signs & Symptoms

What are the Signs & Symptoms of MCI?

Symptoms of MCI are noticeable by the individual and those closest to them, but they do not significantly disrupt daily life. Symptoms may include:

• Forgetting information (more than usual) or missing appointments
• Difficulty following conversations, movies or books
• Trouble making decisions or completing tasks
• Difficulty following instructions
• Poor judgement or decision making

How is MCI Diagnosed?

MCI is diagnosed through a process that includes involves a thorough assessment of symptoms as well as tests to rule out other potential causes. The tests may include:

• Neurological exam
• Memory & cognition assessments
• Diagnostic imaging of the brain
• Lab tests (blood tests)

How is MCI Treated?

There is no single treatment that cures MCI. Treatments focus on managing symptoms, identifying and managing underlying conditions and supporting brain health.

Lifestyle

• Regular physical activity
• Staying mentally challenged and socially engaged
• Healthy sleep habits
• Managing stress and depression

Devices

• Memory aids such as calendars, reminders and smartphone apps

Medical

• Treat underlying health conditions (blood pressure, cholesterol. diabetes)
• Reviewing any medications that may impact memory

Surgical

• There are no surgical treatments

Other

• Education and counseling for patients and caregivers
• Ongoing monitoring of cognitive challenges

When to See Your Doctor

If you or your loved one notices ongoing changes in memory, thinking or judgement that are more than simply forgetfulness, you should talk with your primary care provider.

When to Seek Emergency Care

You should seek emergency medical attention if there is a sudden change in cognitive ability or memory, especially if accompanied by neurological symptoms such as confusion, behavior changes, balance changes, changes in speech or vision or weakness on one side as they could indicate a stroke or other medical emergency.

If you're concerned about changes in your memory, don't ignore them. While occasional forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging, memory changes that interfere with your daily activities, work or relationships should be discussed with your primary care provider. They can help determine whether additional evaluation or a referral to a neurologist is appropriate.

Visit Understanding Memory to learn more about the many things than can impact memory.