Mild cognitive impairment
Understanding MCI, a common early symptom of neurodegenerative disorders
- Frequently losing things
- Often struggling to find the right words
- Regularly forgetting important appointments or events
MCI is not just a normal
part of ageing
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the medical term used when a person has frequent memory problems that may create some challenges, but do not affect their daily activities. MCI is considered an early symptom of neurodegenerative disorders associated with memory, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.1
While it’s normal for people to become more forgetful as they age, forgetting things on a regular basis, especially when compared to others of a similar age, is not normal. It may be a sign of something more serious.1,2 In fact, as many as 1 in 10 people with MCI will develop dementia within 1 year.1
Early testing is critical
There are many tests to investigate whether memory lapses are being caused by the early stages of a memory-related disease, like MCI, or something else. They include tests carried out by doctors such as a neurological examination, cognitive and behavioural tests to evaluate memory, attention, judgment and use of language, and computer-based tests to measure cognitive skills.3 Other, biology-based tests may involve taking blood samples or fluid from a spinal tap, or performing imaging to look for proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.3
There are some emerging treatments that may slow the disease progression of MCI associated with early Alzheimer’s disease.1 In the UK, there are several approved treatments that can help to balance the brain chemicals affected by Alzheimer’s disease.4 New drugs that target different pathways associated with Alzheimer’s disease are currently being developed, and could provide more treatment options in the future.
Research has found Alzheimer’s disease therapies are more likely to work if they are used early in the disease,5 underlining the importance of obtaining an early diagnosis.6
Talk to a doctor
If you or someone you care about is experiencing potential symptoms of MCI, the first step is to talk to a doctor. Recognising MCI early, as a possible indicator of Alzheimer’s disease, can be helpful for making plans to reduce the risks associated with progressive memory loss. It’s also beneficial to help you and your doctor work out a treatment plan.2
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References and useful links
1. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment
2. What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment? | Alzheimers.gov. https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers-dementias/mild-cognitive-impairment
3. Medical Tests. Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests
4. Medication for dementia symptoms. Alzheimer’s Society. Published 2023. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/treatments/dementia-medication/medication-dementia-symptoms
5. Husna Ibrahim N, Yahaya MF, Mohamed W, Teoh SL, Hui CK, Kumar J. Pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer’s Disease: Seeking Clarity in a Time of Uncertainty. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:261. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00261
6. Tahami Monfared AA, Byrnes MJ, White LA, Zhang Q. Alzheimer’s Disease: Epidemiology and Clinical Progression. Neurol Ther. 2022;11(2):553-569. doi:10.1007/s40120-022-00338-8
