Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) definition according to Webster-Miriam Dictionary: mild to severe impairment in intellectual ability equivalent to an IQ of 70 to 75 or below that is accompanied by significant limitations in social, practical, and conceptual skills (as in interpersonal communication, reasoning, or self-care) necessary for independent daily functioning and that has an onset before.
Does Mild Cognitive Impairment Always Progress to Dementia?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition in which people have memory or other thinking problems greater than normal for their age and education, but their symptoms are not as severe as those seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Although it is not necessarily “Dementia” in the strictest sense of the word, it can be a condition that commonly leads to Dementia.
If you have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), you may be aware that your memory or mental function has “slipped.” Those close to you (friends/family) may notice changes in your abilities and memories. These changes may not be severe enough to significantly interfere with your daily life and activities.
Symptoms of MCI
- Reasoning, planning, or problem-solving
- Memory loss
- Attention, easily distracted
- Language, taking longer than normal to find the right words for something
- Visual depth perception, judge distance or navigate stairsMild cognitive impairment may increase your risk of later developing dementia caused by Alzheimer’s. Like the rest of your body, your brain changes as you age. Forgetfulness can increase as you age. Thinking of a word or phrase may take longer to process. Remembering a person’s name or recalling directions may be difficult.
Increasing concern about your mental performance may suggest mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cognitive issues may go beyond what’s expected and indicate possible MCI.
According to the Mayo Clinic, current evidence indicates that MCI often, but not always, develops from a lesser degree of the same types of brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Some of these changes have been identified in autopsy studies of people with MCI. These changes include:
- Abnormal clumps of beta-amyloid protein (plaques) and microscopic protein clumps of tau characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease (tangles)
- Lewy bodies, which are microscopic clumps of another protein associated with Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and some cases of Alzheimer’s disease
- Small strokes or reduced blood flow through brain blood vessels
Brain-imaging studies show that the following changes may be associated with MCI:
- Shrinkage of the hippocampus, a brain region important for memory
- Enlargement of the brain’s fluid-filled spaces (verticals)
- Reduces use of glucose, the sugar that’s the primary source of energy for cells, in key brain regions
People with MCI have a significantly increased risk – but not a certainty- of developing dementia. Overall, about 1%-3% of older adults develop dementia every year. Studies suggest that around10% to 15% of individuals with MCI go on to develop dementia each year.
Environmental Factors
Although MCI cannot always be prevented, research has found some environmental factors that can affect the risks of developing the condition.
- Engage Socially
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet that is low in saturated fats
- Limit alcohol use
- Get plenty of sleep
- Do not smoke
- Stimulate your mind with games, memory training, puzzles
- Exercise regularly
- Manage any health conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, obesity, elevated cholesterol)
- Wear a hearing aid if you have hearing loss
- Protect yourself from head injuries
- Limit your exposure to air pollution
Studies show that these steps may help prevent cognitive impairment.
Promedcare
Our goal is to keep you or your loved one healthy, happy, and safe at home. The Promedcare team of management and caregivers understands the importance of providing care within the comfort of one’s own home. Families choose Promedcare for different reasons. For some, it’s to provide extensive ongoing care for an aging senior. For others, we offer a much-needed break or, respite care – such as a night out with a spouse, vacation, or simply a few hours of quiet time at home – for family members who provide regular care. We offer a wide range of care services customized for each individual client. Promedcare services include Personal Care Services, Companion Care Services, Dementia / Alzheimer’s Care Services, and Respiratory Solutions.
Contact us today to see how Prodmedcare can help you!