Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Disease Information
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prevalent condition among aging adults that carries a high risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. MCI is characterized by memory impairment with otherwise unaffected cognitive functioning. A person with MCI experiences memory problems greater than normally expected with aging, but he or she does not show other symptoms of dementia, such as impaired judgment or reasoning. According to the Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee, about 80% of patients with MCI develop Alzheimer's disease within six years. Accurate and early evaluation and treatment of MCI individuals might prevent further cognitive decline, including development of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Symptoms
People suffering from MCI have sharp thinking and reasoning skills, but their long-term memory capabilities decline. Typically, people with the disorder have the most trouble remembering recently acquired information and knowledge (new memory consolidation), while their recall of past events may remain intact.
Causes
As with Alzheimer's disease, the causes of MCI remain unclear. No genetic link has yet been found for the condition, although it is possible that, like AD, genetic components might be risk factors for people with MCI to develop AD.
Diagnosis
The following medical tests may be used in diagnosis of MCI:
- Neuroimaging: Neuroimaging includes either a computerized tomography scan (CT, CAT), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
- Mental status examination: To determine which cognitive functions may be affected and how severely, an assessment may include interviews and other tests to evaluate such functions as attention, learning, recall, language and ability to visualize spatial relationships.
- Neuropsychological testing: A psychiatric assessment may include a more extensive evaluation of mental status. The testing evaluates memory, language, attention and problem-solving abilities and compares the results to others of similar age and education level. The assessment may help identify patterns in cognitive functions and help provide clues to the underlying condition.
Along with medical tests and assessments, doctors rely on the following criteria to diagnose mild cognitive impairment:
- Memory complaint: Repeated episodes of forgetfulness, such as being unable to remember social occasions, may signal a more serious problem.
- Normal general cognitive function: People with only mild cognitive impairment can function independently and stay active socially. Signs and symptoms often associated with Alzheimer's - problems with language, critical thinking, reading and writing - usually aren't present.
- Low memory function compared with others of similar age and education level: People with mild cognitive impairment may be able to function as well as their peers on most mental tasks, but they lag behind on memory tasks, especially those related to recent memory.
Treatment
Although no treatment has been approved yet to prevent or manage mild cognitive impairment, its timely diagnosis can help delay the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Because of the implied relationship, traditional treatment strategies for MCI thus far are based on those for AD. The FDA currently recommends acetylcholinestrase inhibitors (AchEI's).