Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment: All we need to know

About

It is the stage between the expected cognitive decline of normal aging and a more serious decline of dementia.

1 to 3% of adults develop dementia every year. Around 10 to 15 percent of people with MCI develop dementia each year. [1]
- Not self-treatable
- Not self-diagnosable
- Lab tests or imaging are required
- Long -term: can persist for months to years

Causes

It is caused by the same form of brain changes that are seen in Alzheimer's disease or some other forms of dementia.

Risk factors:
Major risk factors include:
- Increasing age
- Specific form of a gene called APOE-e4
- Diabetes and Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High levels of cholesterol
- Obesity and Depression
- Lack of regular exercise
- Low education level and low participation in physical and mental activities

Symptoms

Self-diagnosable:
- Forgetting things more often such as important meetings and engagements
- Feeling overwhelmed by making decisions and understanding instructions
- Trouble finding way around a familiar environment
- Becoming more impulsive and making poor judgment
People may experience: Depression, irritability and anxiety
Also common: Movement difficulties and problems with a sense of smell

Treatment

No specific drugs and treatments have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Self-care:
Taking proper sleep may be suggested by the doctor.

Medicines:
Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors as per the need. Medicines to cure high blood pressure and depression may prove to be helpful.

Specialists:
For further concerns, contact a doctor or neurologist. At mfine, you will receive a holistic treatment plan for optimum health.