Mild Cognitive Impairment

Also called: MCI

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

Mental status testing

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Mild Cognitive Impairment is the National Institute on Aging

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Summary

Some forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. However, some people have more memoryproblems than other people their age. This condition is called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. People with MCI can take care of themselves and do their normal activities.

MCI memory problems may include

Losing things often
Forgetting to go to events and appointments
Having more trouble coming up with words than other people of the same age

Memory problems can also have other causes, including certain medicines and diseases that affect the blood vessels that supply the brain. Some of the problems brought on by these conditions can be managed or reversed.

Your health care provider can do thinking, memory, and language tests to see if you have MCI. You may also need to see a specialist for more tests. Because MCI may be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, it's really important to see your health care provider every 6 to 12 months.

At this time, there is no proven drug treatment for MCI. Your health care provider can check to see if you have any changes in your memory or thinking skills over time.

NIH: National Institute on Aging