Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Overview

As you get older, you may notice that you forget things more often than you used to. This is a normal part of aging. But some older people have memory and thinking problems that aren't just forgetfulness. We call this "MCI." With MCI, you can still take care of yourself and do normal activities. But the changes in your brain may worry you.

Causes

We don't know what causes MCI. It may be linked to the brain changes that happen in the very early stages of dementia. And although MCI does raise your risk, not all people who have MCI will go on to develop Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

Symptoms

Symptoms of MCI may include problems with memory and with thinking. You may lose things. You may forget appointments, or things that have happened recently. You may have trouble recalling words. You may not always make the best decisions. You may have trouble with complex tasks. And sometimes it may be hard for you to make sense of the things you see.

Treatment

There is no cure for MCI, but you can support your brain with regular exercise and by keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy. Choose stimulating activities to keep your brain active. And get regular checkups. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan that's right for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.