Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment
What is Mild Cognitive impairment (MCI)?
Mild psychological feature impairment may be a condition during which someone experiences a small – however noticeable – decline in mental skills (memory and thinking skills) compared with others of identical age. The minor decline in abilities is noticeable by the person experiencing them or by others who move with the person, but the changes don't seem to be severe enough to interfere with traditional everyday life and activities.
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| Mild Cognitive impairment |
Medical terms
MCI is the stage between normal age-related decline and more serious decline It's characterized by problems with memory language thinking or judgment
If you have mild cognitive impairment you may notice that your memory or mental function has slipped. Friends and family may also notice a change but these changes are not severe enough to significantly interfere with your daily life and usual activities.
Mild cognitive impairment may be a risk factor for dementia caused by Alzheimer’s or other neurological conditions However some people with mild cognitive impairment do not worsen and some eventually improve
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in older adults when their thinking and memory skills are normal or near normal but they notice that their abilities are not as sharp as they used to be You can still do your job though you may need some extra help at times with tasks that you once could easily do MCI happens when there has been some damage to brain cells MCI also causes changes in the structure of the brain that doctors can see on brain scans or tests If changes remain stable over three years it becomes a type of dementia called "isolated" or "non dementia" Parkinson's.
Mild cognitive impairment is a condition where people have problems with memory and thinking that are greater than expected for their age, but they are still able to live independently. It is not a disease, but it may be a sign of one. Mild cognitive impairment can be a risk factor for developing dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurological disorder in which a person experiences significant problems with memory and thinking, but their abilities are still above the level required to be diagnosed with dementia. MCI is considered to be a risk factor for developing dementia, as approximately 10-15% of people with MCI will go on to develop the condition each year. There is no one specific cause of MCI, but it has been linked to a number of different factors, including aging, head injury, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of MCI can vary from person to person, but may include difficulties with remembering recent events, problems with planning and organization, and changes in mood or behavior.
Every day, it seems that news outlets are filled with stories about medical breakthroughs. Headlines tout new treatments for deadly diseases and new ways to improve quality of life for those with chronic illnesses. However, for all of the advances in medical science, some mysteries still remain. One of these mysteries is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
What is an example of mild cognitive impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment or MCI is a condition characterized by problems with memory orientation and language These symptoms are noticeable when compared to normal age-related changes in cognition Mild cognitive impairment is often referred to as "mild" because it's less severe than the more serious forms of cognitive impairment - dementia and Alzheimer's disease However even though mild cognitive impairment is usually defined as an intermediate stage between normal aging and full-blown dementia some individuals may progress from having MCI directly to dementia without experiencing any period of normal cognition at all The symptoms of mild cognitive impairment can be due to a variety of causes including.
What is the difference between mild cognitive impairment and dementia?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia are both common types of brain disorders affecting memory thinking abilities and behavior Both conditions have been shown to have a negative effect on the quality of life for affected individuals as well as their caregivers MCI also has a low risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia according to the UK’s National Health Service If you feel that your cognition is declining due to age or some other factor you should talk with your primary care physician immediately Also encourage friends and family to help with any daily living tasks if possible until you can receive.
How long can a person live with mild cognitive impairment?
According to the Alzheimer's Association mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not a disease but rather a syndrome that affects memory and other cognitive functions People who suffer from MCI are at an increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease within three years Mild cognitive impairment can be caused by changes in blood flow in the brain which happens when people have strokes Other causes include head injuries infections and exposure to toxic substances.
What causes mild cognitive impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a subtle decline in cognitive abilities such as memory and problem solving that becomes more noticeable as people age It is not dementia but rather an early stage of memory loss that can lead to dementia The main factor linked to MCI is aging However there are also other factors known to contribute to the development of MCI What Causes Mild Cognitive Impairment? Increase in age: As we get older our brain cells malfunction due to deterioration over time We experience many changes like slowed down reaction time and weakened thinking skills This makes some people susceptible to developing.
Is MCI a type of dementia?
Most of the people who develop MCI do not progress to dementia In fact recent research indicates that most of these individuals will actually revert back to their normal cognitive state Only a small percentage of patients progress into dementia Consequently it is necessary to identify the risk factors for developing MCI and early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in order to be able to predict which patients with MCI are at high risk for AD progression.
What’s the difference between mild cognitive impairment and decline due to normal aging?
Some gradual mental (cognitive) decline is seen with traditional aging. For example, the flexibility to be told new information could also be reduced, mental process slows, speed of performance slows, and skill to become distracted increases. However, these declines because of normal aging don't have an effect on overall functioning or ability to perform activities of daily living. Traditional aging doesn't affect recognition, intelligence, or semipermanent memory.
In normal aging, someone could often forget names and words and misplace things. With gentle psychological feature impairment, the person often forgets conversations and knowledge that one would usually bear in mind resembling appointments and alternative planned events.
Symptoms Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
Your brain and body change over time Many people notice that they forget things more as they grow older It may take longer to think of a word or recall someone's name
If you are concerned about your cognitive performance then the following may suggest mild cognitive impairment (MCI):
You forget things more often.
You forget important events such as appointments or social engagements
It is easy to lose your train of thought as it happens in books or movies
You feel increasingly overwhelmed by making decisions planning steps to accomplish a task or understanding instructions
You’re starting to have trouble finding your way around familiar environments
you become more impulsive or show increasingly poor judgment.
There are several changes in your behavior that your family and friends notice such as: #1 You seem more tired than usual #2 You may have less energy or less motivation to do things around the house
If you have MCI you may also experience:
Depression
Irritability and aggression
Anxiety
Apathy
Causes Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
There is no single cause for mild cognitive impairment Symptoms may remain stable for years progress to Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia or improve over time
Current research indicates that MCI may develop from a less severe form of the same types of changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia Some of these changes have been identified in autopsies of people with MCI These changes include:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by long plaques of beta-amyloid protein and tangles composed of microscopic twisted protein clumps
Lewy bodies are microscopic clumps of another protein associated with Parkinson's disease dementia and some cases of Alzheimer’s disease
Small strokes or reduced blood flow through brain blood vessels can cause a short-term memory loss
Brain imaging studies show that changes in brain structure may be associated with MCI
The hippocampus shrinks in response to stress
The brain is filled with fluid spaces
Reducing the amount of sugar in the diet reduces brain inflammation
Risk factors Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
The strongest risk factors for MCI are:
Increasing age
Having a specific form of the gene known as APOE e4 also linked to Alzheimer's disease though having the gene does not mean you will experience cognitive decline
Other medical conditions and lifestyle factors have been linked to an increased risk of cognitive change, including:
Diabetes
Smoking
High blood pressure
Elevated cholesterol
Obesity
Depression
Lack of physical exercise
Low education level
Mentally or socially stimulating activities need to be performed frequently
Complications
People with MCI have a significantly increased risk — but not a certainty — of developing dementia in their lifetime Studies suggest that around 10% to 15% of individuals with MCI go on to develop dementia each year
Prevention Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
It’s pretty hard to resolve a conflict
Avoid excessive alcohol use.
Limit exposure to air pollution.
Reduce your risk of head injury.
Don't smoke.
Manage health conditions such as diabetes high blood pressure obesity and depression
A good sleep hygiene and manage sleep disturbances
Eat a nutrient-rich diet that has plenty of fruits and vegetables and is low in saturated fats
Engage socially with others.
Exercise regularly at a moderate to vigorous intensity
Wear a hearing aid if you have hearing loss
Stimulate your mind with puzzles and games that train your memory
Diagnosis Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
There is no specific test to confirm mild cognitive impairment Your doctor will decide whether MCI is the cause of your symptoms based on the information you provide and results of tests that can help clarify the diagnosis
Many physicians diagnose MCI based on the following criteria developed by a panel of international experts:
You have memory problems or other mental functionYou may have problems following instructions or making decisions Your own impressions should be confirmed by someone close to you
You've declined over time.A medical history of your mental health reveals that you have declined from a higher level This change is ideally confirmed by a family member or close friend
Your overall mental function and daily activities are not affectedYour medical history shows that your overall health is good although specific symptoms may cause worry or inconvenience
A mental status test shows mild impairment in the area of your age and education Doctors often assess mental performance with a brief test such as the Short Test of Mental Status or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) More-detailed neuropsychological testing may be needed to determine degree of memory impairment that is more severe Young adults are most likely to be affected by cannabis use and whether other mental skills are also impaired
Your diagnosis isn't dementia.The problems that you describe and the corroborating reports from your physician through your medical history and mental status testing are not severe enough to be diagnosed as Alzheimer's Disease or a type of dementia
Neurological exam
Your doctor may perform some basic tests that indicate how well your brain and nervous system are working These tests can help detect neurological signs of Parkinson's disease strokes tumors or other medical conditions that can impair your memory as well as your posture On a physical exam these could include the following: The neurological exam may test:
Reflexes
Eye movements
Walking and balance
Lab tests
Blood tests can help rule out physical problems that can affect memory, such as a vitamin B-12 deficiency or an underactive thyroid gland.
Brain imaging
Your doctor may order an MRI or CT scan to detect evidence of a brain tumor stroke or bleeding
Mental status testing
The Minimal Mental Status Exam can be done in about 10 minutes During the exam doctors ask people to complete several tasks and answer several questions such as naming today's date or following a written instruction
Longer forms of neuropsychological testing can provide additional information about your cognitive function compared with that of people in the same age and educational attainment range These tests may also help identify patterns of change that offer clues about the underlying cause of your symptoms
Treatment Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
No medications are presently approved to treat delicate psychological feature impairment. Medicine accustomed to treating the symptoms of Alzheimer’s unwellness are tried with mixed results (some trials have shown a profit in exploiting these drugs for mild cognitive impairment; others haven't). Most recently, a worldwide review of studies of mild cognitive impairment by the Yankee Academy of Neurology concluded that drugs used to treat Alzheimer’s disease showed no cognitive benefit or delay in progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Trials of other drugs as well as NSAIDs, gymnospermous tree biloba, and tocopherol have not shown clear benefit. If testing has determined a treatable medical condition because of the explanation for the delicate psychological feature impairment, the patient ought to be treated for those conditions. Also, medications could also be prescribed if activity or medicine symptoms (for example, agitation, anger, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, delirium) are gift and intrusive with the patient’s quality of life.
Alzheimer's drugs
Doctors sometimes prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease These drugs are used for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) whose main symptom is memory loss However these drugs have not been found to affect progression to dementia nor do they reduce the risk of developing a more severe form of dementia called Alzheimer's disease Dementia which can cause side effects
Treating reversible MCI causes: Medicines
Certain medications can cause side effects that affect cognitive function These side effects are thought to go away once the medication is stopped It's important to discuss any side effects with your doctor and never stop taking your medications unless your doctor instructs you to do so These meds also often interfere with tests or procedures so it’s best to speak up about these risks before they happen The medications include:
Anticholinergics are medications that affect chemicals in the nervous system to treat many different conditions
Antihistamines are often used to manage allergy symptoms
Opioids, often used to treat pain
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease
Treating reversible causes of dementia: Other conditions
Other conditions besides Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) can make you feel forgetful or less mentally sharp than usual Treating these conditions can help improve your memory and overall mental function Conditions that can affect memory include:
High blood pressure.People with MCI often have problems in the blood vessels inside their brains High blood pressure can worsen these problems and cause memory difficulties Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and recommend steps to lower it if it’s too high
Depression.
Sleep apnea.If you have sleep apnea your breathing will stop and start repeatedly while you are asleep This can make it difficult to get a good night's rest Sleep apnea can make you feel excessively tired during the day and cause forgetfulness concentration problems and inability to concentrate Treatment can improve these symptoms and restore alertness
Lifestyle and home remedies
There is mixed evidence about whether diet and exercise can prevent or reverse cognitive decline Regardless of this a healthy lifestyle contributes to good overall health and may contribute to good cognitive health
Regular physical exerciseOlive oil has known benefits for heart health and may also help prevent or slow cognitive decline
A diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables provides healthy nutritionAnother heart-healthy choice is dietary fish Fish is another heart-healthy choice that may also help to protect cognitive health
Omega-3 fatty acidsSome research shows that fish consumption is good for people's hearts The most comprehensive studies show a possible benefit for cognitive health when patients consume fish that are higher in omega-3 fatty acids than those eaten by the general population
Intellectual stimulationComputer use may help preserve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline
Social engagementEating food that is rich in vitamins minerals and antioxidants may help preserve mental function and slow mental decline
Memory trainingCognitive training may improve your function
Alternative medicine
Some nutrients including vitamin E and others have been suggested as ways to prevent or delay the progression of mild cognitive impairment However no supplement has shown any benefit in a clinical trial
Preparing for your appointment
If your doctor suspects that you have cognitive changes you may be referred to a specialist with expertise in evaluating mental function This specialist may be a neurologist psychiatrist or neuropsychologist
To be successful in a field you need to work hard
What you can do
Make sure you are aware of any pre-appointment restrictionsAsk if you need to fast for bloodwork before your appointment If so ask what foods you should eat and when they can be eaten
Write down all of your symptoms. Your doctor will want to know about recent examples of forgetfulness or other lapses you have experienced Make notes about some of the most important examples and remember when they first occurred Try to recall when you first started to suspect that something might be wrong with your memory or mental function If you think your difficulties are getting worse make sure that you are ready to explain why
Take along a friend or relative if possibleA relative or trusted friend could play a key role in confirming that your memory difficulties are apparent to others Having someone along can also help you remember all the information provided during your appointment
Make a list of your other medical conditionsYour doctor wants to know if you are currently being treated for diabetes stroke heart disease or any other condition
Make a list of all your medications.Doctors want to know if you're taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs vitamins or supplements
Questions to ask your doctor
Writing down your questions will help you make the most of your appointment List your questions from the most pressing to least important in case time runs out For cognitive changes some questions to ask include:
Do I have a memory problem?
What's causing my difficulties?
What tests do I need?
Choose a neutral location for class paraphrased:
Are treatments available?
The recipe for this dish is easy to follow First you need to heat some olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat Next cut up some onions and cook them until they are brown and just tender As the onions cook add chopped garlic and crushed tomatoes Then add some sliced olives
How will I know what to expect long-term?
Will I experience new symptoms now that my health has declined?
Do I need to follow any restrictions?
Is there a generic alternative to the medication you're giving me?
Can I take anything with me? What websites do you recommend?
In addition to the questions you have prepared ahead of time don't hesitate to ask your doctor to clarify anything you aren't sure of
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is also likely to ask some questions Being ready to respond may free up time for you to focus on any points you want to talk about in-depth Your doctor may ask:
What kinds of memory difficulties are you experiencing? When did they first appear?
Are they improving or getting worse?
Are you feeling any sadder or more anxious than usual?
Have you noticed any changes in how you react to the people or events around you?
Do you snore? Have you noticed any changes in how well or how long you sleep?
Do you have more energy than usual, less than usual or about the same?
What medications are you taking? Are you taking any vitamins or supplements? Do not take too much
Do you drink alcohol? How much?
Is there anything else we should know?
Have you noticed any trembling or trouble walking?
Have you been getting your hearing and vision checked recently?
Did anyone in your family have memory problems? Were any of your relatives ever diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia?
General summary
is the temporary loss of cognitive function Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a transitional stage toward Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia MCI can cause problems with memory thinking and judgment that are greater than normal age-related changes in those abilities but less severe than those seen in Alzheimer's patients.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage of memory loss that comes between normal forgetfulness and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia People with MCI experience subtle yet noticeable changes in their memory and cognition that interfere with their day-to-day activities Early detection is critical for treating this condition before it progresses to full-blown dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological type of dementia that causes problems with memory thinking and behavior One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's Disease is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) MCI can be thought of as a warning sign for Alzheimer's disease as it represents the early stages where reversible symptoms are occurring Approximately 10 to 15 percent of people with MCI progress to Alzheimer’s each year The age at which a person experiences an MCI is not important; however patients that experience an MCI after the age of 60 develop more rapid symptoms than those who experience an MCI before the age.
