In recent years, there has been a growing awareness that the memory loss level of some people is higher than that of those typically encountered with aging, but do not show other symptoms of dementia. The medical name for this condition is mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), is characterized by signs and symptoms that aren’t quite as serious at the initial stage as that of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. As a result, MCI patients may normally care for themselves and continue with their typical day-to-day activities without any problems.
People with MCI have an increased likelihood of having Alzheimer’s disease or dementia connected to it. There is no clear way to predict how many people with MCI will end up acquiring dementia.
However, it is anticipated that one and two out of every ten adults over the age of 65 who have MCI will progress to dementia over one year. Despite this, there are still things we can do at the MCI level that can help with symptoms.
If you have this issue, it is essential that you maintain routine medical checkups with a primary care physician or a specialist. The medical specialist can assist you in tracking how your memory and thinking have changed over time.
It might be difficult to recognize the signs of MCI since they can be so subtle. However, learning about the causes, risk factors, and self-help options may alleviate some of your stress.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
It’s natural for your brain to slow down a little bit as you become older. Names, dates, and other specifics could escape your mind sometimes, and you might get the impression that your mental acuity isn’t what it used to be.
On the other hand, if your difficulties with memory, language, and reasoning go beyond what would be expected from age-related changes, you could be suffering from moderate cognitive impairment (MCI).
You might conceive of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in certain instances as the link between the natural aging process and Alzheimer’s disease or another kind of dementia. However, MCI can also be due to another ailment, such as a lack of a certain vitamin or an injury to the brain.
If you have MCI, you may have gotten into the habit of losing your phone, keys, and wallet on a regular basis. This might be a symptom of your condition. Or perhaps you forget significant events, such as holidays or get-togethers with family members.
Things like these might make you feel embarrassed, nervous, and irritated. You may feel hopeless when you start to wonder if you’ll be able to keep working toward your objectives or keep your independence.
And when a loved one displays these symptoms, it is only normal for you to be worried about their health and overall well-being. When will they require the services of a caregiver? How can you provide them the crucial emotional support that they need at this point in their lives?
These concerns are common, and you are by no means alone in having them. For example, MCI affects around 12 to 18 percent of people who are 60 years old or older.
Types of MCI
After they have been identified, instances with MCI are classified as either amnestic or non-amnestic.
Memory loss is one of the clinical manifestations of amnestic MCI. You could, for instance, find it challenging to recall recent discussions or significant dates.
Non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment impacts cognitive abilities in addition to memory, such as the ability to make decisions, see visually, or communicate verbally.
Research conducted with MRIs reveals that amnestic and non-amnestic MCIs impact distinct regions of the brain. Evidence suggests that non-amnestic MCI has a higher risk of developing into dementia with Lewy bodies than amnestic MCI, which is more likely to develop into Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of MCI
When you think about cognitive decline, you may picture someone who cannot find their way around their own neighborhood or who has problems recognizing members of their own family. Possibly, you are seeing a person who has had significant personality shifts or who goes through periods of frenzied bewilderment.
These are, in fact, symptoms that might point to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Because the cognitive deterioration is still in its initial stages, the symptoms of MCI are much more subtle than other forms of dementia. Nevertheless, the following are some indications that you or a loved one may be suffering from MCI.Those with MCI are typically aware of the slight cognitive decline they are experiencing, and typically use strategies like notes, calendars, and reminders to help them. These strategies can help those with MCI better function on a day to day basis.
- Having trouble locating items around the house, such as keys, clothes, or other things
- Losing track of scheduled appointments or important social events
- Having difficulties finding the appropriate words as compared to peers of the same age
- Mobility issues
- Alterations in the ability to smell
- Making decisions, planning steps, or interpreting directions overwhelms you.
Causes of MCI
Mild cognitive impairment can be brought on or made worse by a variety of situations. When you have a better understanding of the precise reason of MCI, you will be better able to evaluate the most effective approaches to treat the condition.
- Degenerative brain disease – As was said earlier, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.
- Vitamin deficiency – A person’s cognitive abilities may suffer if they don’t get enough vitamin B-12. The vitamin is frequently located in foods derived from meat and dairy.
- Medication – Some medications, such as antihistamines, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, produce either amnestic or non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Alterations to the way you take your prescription might make the impairment go away.
- Traumatic brain injury – Traumatic brain injuries are caused by occurrences such as falls and automobile accidents. Cognitive issues may be the result of an accident, depending on the type of damage and how severe it is.
- Vascular disease – MCI is a condition that can be caused by issues in the vascular system, which is sometimes referred to as the circulatory system. A person may experience difficulty thinking clearly, for instance, after suffering a stroke.
Diagnosis of MCI
The most common way to diagnose MCI is by employing diagnostic procedures that are similar to those used to diagnose dementia. In order to get started with this procedure, the first thing a doctor does is have a conversation with the individual.
They may also speak to a close friend or member of the individual’s family in order to gain an in-depth comprehension of the individual’s medical history, the medicine they are currently taking, the memory difficulties they are currently facing, and any other information that may be pertinent.
Memory loss may have other reasons, such as stress, depression, issues with medication, or a nutritional shortage. An evaluation of the patient’s physical state and maybe certain blood tests will be carried out in order to rule out these possible causes.
Tests of general cognition and memory function, similar to those used in the diagnosis of dementia, will also be administered to those who are suspected of having a mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Treatment
Currently, there is no treatment that is tailored specifically for MCI. However, a variety of research projects are looking at various therapies, some of which include cholinesterase inhibitors, which are used to treat Alzheimer’s disease; Ebixa; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS); vitamin E; and statins (for regulating cholesterol).
When novel medicinal therapies for Alzheimer’s disease become available, it is probable that these treatments will also be evaluated on persons who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Preliminary data suggest that medication therapies may be able to successfully slow the course of dementia, as indicated in studies that involved drug trials.
A nutritious diet, frequent exercise, and excellent general health are all vital for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This entails not only lowering cholesterol levels but also stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
The majority of the time, a person who has been diagnosed with MCI will not be given any kind of medical therapy; instead, they will be closely observed for any changes in their memory.
Therefore, people with mild cognitive impairment may benefit from seeking speech or occupational therapy to help with compensatory strategies, and brain stimulating activities. They may also benefit from counseling to discover strategies for adjusting to the changes they are going through and gaining insight into methods by which they might make up for their memory challenges.
How to Deal with Being Diagnosed with MCI?
In the event that you are diagnosed with MCI, you may experience a range of emotions, including astonishment, fear, sadness, and even anger. For example, you may fear losing your independence or sense of self-identity if you lose your job. Steps you can take to go on with your life may feel impossible now, but there are still things you can to help.
1. Take a Deep Breath and Allow Yourself to Experience Whatever Comes Up
A person’s blood pressure may rise, or inappropriate coping techniques may be used if they try to repress their unpleasant feelings. Acknowledging and accepting your feelings, no matter how strong or unexpected, is a more healthy attitude.
Remain calm and realize that this phase of your life is temporary. It might be beneficial to express your thoughts verbally or in writing to a close friend or family member.
2. Be Kind to Yourself
Refrain from blaming yourself for your current state of affairs. As a person, you don’t have to be defined by MCI, which is a key point to keep in mind. Encourage a more optimistic and realistic view of the world by speaking more positively to yourself. Like, “I still have an essential role to play in the lives of people around me,” instead of “I’m going to be a burden on my family.”
3. Study Up on Alzheimer’s and Other forms of Dementia
Even while doing research on these disorders might be frightening at first, gaining knowledge is a powerful tool. You need to learn more about how cognitive decline proceeds and what you can do to delay or speed it up.
4. Participate in Research
Participate in clinical trials or research studies to help doctors learn more about MCI and discover new treatments.
Takeaway
It is quite likely that a friend or family member who has been given a diagnosis of MCI will require some level of emotional assistance. It’s possible that if you encourage them to practice self-compassion, study more about MCI, or participate in research, it will help empower them. You could even offer your support by helping guide them through this time.
Nevertheless, it is essential to maintain respect for their feeling of autonomy at all times. People who have MCI can nevertheless carry out their daily activities without the assistance of others.
They might not want to be singled out for special treatment or made to feel as though they are unable to handle responsibilities on their own. Imagine you are in their position. Take into account the fact that they still have a lot of time to figure out life on their own and make choices that are right for them.
Although not everyone with memory issues will have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), it is critical to be aware of how to spot the signs of MCI so that you can get treatment if necessary. Even if you have been given a diagnosis of MCI, there are still measures you may take to control the symptoms and delay the advancement of the disease.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment/symptoms-causes/syc-20354578#:~:text=Mild%20cognitive%20impairment%20(MCI)%20is,%2C%20language%2C%20thinking%20or%20judgment.
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17990-mild-cognitive-impairment
- https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mild-cognitive-impairment-mci
- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia-aging/mild-cognitive-impairment-mci.htm
