Understanding Early Alzheimer's: What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) involves memory or thinking difficulties greater than expected for age but not severe enough to disrupt daily life. It's often a transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer's, though not everyone with MCI progresses.

Symptoms

• Difficulty remembering recent events
• Forgetting names/appointments
• Word-finding trouble
• Attention deficits
• Impaired judgment/decision-making
• Getting lost in familiar places

Diagnosis

Physical/neurological exams, medical history, cognitive tests, brain imaging.

Treatment

Focus on symptom management and slowing progression: medications, cognitive rehabilitation, lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep).