Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsOverviewCausesProgressionMCI vs. Alzheimer’sMCI vs. Normal Memory ChangesTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Overview
Causes
Progression
MCI vs. Alzheimer’s
MCI vs. Normal Memory Changes
Treatment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is adecline in cognition, including concentration, communication,memory, andorientation. These declines may also impact a person’s ability to conduct activities of daily living (ADLs) in such areas asdressing, bathing andeating meals.monkeybusinessimages / iStockphotoOverviewIt’s estimated that about 20 percent of people over the age of 70 have MCI. Generally, as people age, they are more likely to develop MCI as well as Alzheimer’s disease.MCI is often thought of as the period between normal cognition and whenAlzheimer’s diseasedevelops. Others consider it to be an early stage of Alzheimer’s if specific changes in the brain are present, although not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s.The definition of MCI has continually evolved. In the initial guidelines for a diagnosis of MCI, the only area an individual could demonstrate impairment in was memory.All other cognitive functioning had to remain intact.The definition was then revised and allowed for problems in other cognitive areas, such as reasoning and judgment. However, a person had to continue functioning quite well in daily life; if activities of daily living were impacted, the diagnosis would likely bedementia, or specifically, the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.A group of researchers found that this definition was not always fitting with what they found in their evaluations of those who were diagnosed with MCI since many people with MCI in their study did indeed demonstrate a functional impairment.Because of this, a team from the Alzheimer’s Association and National Institutes of Aging recommended another revised definition of MCI in 2012.This one allowed for mild impairment in activities of daily living in addition to the cognitive challenges outlined above. While it gives more flexibility and perhaps is more accurate, the revised definition also blurs the line between MCI and Alzheimer’s.Consequently, some have recommended that the termMCI due to AD(Alzheimer’s disease) be used, unless it’s clear that the symptoms of MCI are related to other potentially reversible causes, such asnormal pressure hydrocephalusorvitamin B12 deficiency.Confusion and Cognitive Effects: What to KnowCausesThe cause of MCI is unknown. It does appear to have similar risk factors to Alzheimer’s, such as age, education level, and certain brain/body health factors like stroke,diabetes, cholesterol, heart health, and blood pressure.Progression to DementiaPeople with MCI are at a higher risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease; however, despite this risk, not everyone does. One study found that after a diagnosis of MCI, 40 percent of people “reverted” (that is, their cognitive abilities returned to normal) for a time, although they were significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s within five years when compared with those who never had MCI.How MCI Differs From Alzheimer’sSymptomsof Alzheimer’s disease typically begin with MCI. MCI refers to relatively minor impairments in thought processes and memory, whereas Alzheimer’s is a specific disease in which memory and functioning continue to significantly decline over time.Some researchers would like to identify MCI simply as a very early stage of Alzheimer’s, especially because studies have shown changes in the brains of people with MCI that are similar to those that are present in Alzheimer’s.However, since some people who are diagnosed with MCI don’t continue to decline or show other symptoms of dementia, this definition is unlikely.MCI vs. Normal Memory ChangesAs people age, it’s normal for them to experience some occasional memory gaps, such as not being able toremember someone’s namethat they haven’t seen for a while or where they set down their favorite pen. A periodic delay in being able to access memories is also typical as we age.What’s not normal, and moves people toward an MCI diagnosis, is the experience of additional concerns in the areas oflanguage,judgment, and problem-solving, or when the memory loss is more than just occasional.Individuals with normal age-related memory changes have less of a chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those already diagnosed with MCI.TreatmentThere is no medication approved for the treatment of MCI at this time. Some healthcare providers do opt to prescribe Aricept and Adlarity (donepezil) since it has been researched as a treatment for MCI and has shown some benefit.Other healthcare providers recommend general risk-reduction strategies similar to what is recommended for Alzheimer’s, including maintaininghealthy eating habits,physical activity, anactive brain, and regular social interaction.A Word From VerywellWhile it’s normal to feel worried if you see some of the symptoms of MCI in yourself, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for an evaluation since some cognitive problems are at least partially reversible with appropriate treatment. It’s also possible that your appointment could provide some reassurance that you’re simply experiencing some normal,age-related memory loss.It’s important to remember that, while some people with MCI eventually develop Alzheimer’s, others do not.Some people with MCI even function reasonably well and remain stable for many years.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is adecline in cognition, including concentration, communication,memory, andorientation. These declines may also impact a person’s ability to conduct activities of daily living (ADLs) in such areas asdressing, bathing andeating meals.
monkeybusinessimages / iStockphoto
It’s estimated that about 20 percent of people over the age of 70 have MCI. Generally, as people age, they are more likely to develop MCI as well as Alzheimer’s disease.
MCI is often thought of as the period between normal cognition and whenAlzheimer’s diseasedevelops. Others consider it to be an early stage of Alzheimer’s if specific changes in the brain are present, although not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimer’s.
The definition of MCI has continually evolved. In the initial guidelines for a diagnosis of MCI, the only area an individual could demonstrate impairment in was memory.All other cognitive functioning had to remain intact.
The definition was then revised and allowed for problems in other cognitive areas, such as reasoning and judgment. However, a person had to continue functioning quite well in daily life; if activities of daily living were impacted, the diagnosis would likely bedementia, or specifically, the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
A group of researchers found that this definition was not always fitting with what they found in their evaluations of those who were diagnosed with MCI since many people with MCI in their study did indeed demonstrate a functional impairment.
Because of this, a team from the Alzheimer’s Association and National Institutes of Aging recommended another revised definition of MCI in 2012.This one allowed for mild impairment in activities of daily living in addition to the cognitive challenges outlined above. While it gives more flexibility and perhaps is more accurate, the revised definition also blurs the line between MCI and Alzheimer’s.
Consequently, some have recommended that the termMCI due to AD(Alzheimer’s disease) be used, unless it’s clear that the symptoms of MCI are related to other potentially reversible causes, such asnormal pressure hydrocephalusorvitamin B12 deficiency.
Confusion and Cognitive Effects: What to Know
The cause of MCI is unknown. It does appear to have similar risk factors to Alzheimer’s, such as age, education level, and certain brain/body health factors like stroke,diabetes, cholesterol, heart health, and blood pressure.
Progression to Dementia
People with MCI are at a higher risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease; however, despite this risk, not everyone does. One study found that after a diagnosis of MCI, 40 percent of people “reverted” (that is, their cognitive abilities returned to normal) for a time, although they were significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s within five years when compared with those who never had MCI.
How MCI Differs From Alzheimer’s
Symptomsof Alzheimer’s disease typically begin with MCI. MCI refers to relatively minor impairments in thought processes and memory, whereas Alzheimer’s is a specific disease in which memory and functioning continue to significantly decline over time.
Some researchers would like to identify MCI simply as a very early stage of Alzheimer’s, especially because studies have shown changes in the brains of people with MCI that are similar to those that are present in Alzheimer’s.However, since some people who are diagnosed with MCI don’t continue to decline or show other symptoms of dementia, this definition is unlikely.
As people age, it’s normal for them to experience some occasional memory gaps, such as not being able toremember someone’s namethat they haven’t seen for a while or where they set down their favorite pen. A periodic delay in being able to access memories is also typical as we age.
What’s not normal, and moves people toward an MCI diagnosis, is the experience of additional concerns in the areas oflanguage,judgment, and problem-solving, or when the memory loss is more than just occasional.Individuals with normal age-related memory changes have less of a chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those already diagnosed with MCI.
There is no medication approved for the treatment of MCI at this time. Some healthcare providers do opt to prescribe Aricept and Adlarity (donepezil) since it has been researched as a treatment for MCI and has shown some benefit.
Other healthcare providers recommend general risk-reduction strategies similar to what is recommended for Alzheimer’s, including maintaininghealthy eating habits,physical activity, anactive brain, and regular social interaction.
A Word From Verywell
While it’s normal to feel worried if you see some of the symptoms of MCI in yourself, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for an evaluation since some cognitive problems are at least partially reversible with appropriate treatment. It’s also possible that your appointment could provide some reassurance that you’re simply experiencing some normal,age-related memory loss.
It’s important to remember that, while some people with MCI eventually develop Alzheimer’s, others do not.Some people with MCI even function reasonably well and remain stable for many years.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Petersen RC.Mild cognitive impairment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2016;22(2 Dementia):404-418. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000313American Psychological Association.Spotting The Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment.Alzheimer’s Association.Mild cognitive impairment.Budson AE, Solomon PR.New criteria for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment: implications for the practicing clinician.Neurologist. 2012;18(6):356-363. doi:10.1097/NRL.0b013e31826a998dLanga KM, Levine DA.The diagnosis and management of mild cognitive impairment: a clinical review.JAMA. 2014;312(23):2551-2561. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.13806Vintimilla R, Balasubramanian K, Hall J, Johnson L, O’Bryant S.Cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive dysfunction, and mild cognitive impairment.Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2020;10(3):154-162. doi:10.1159/000511103Sanderson-Cimino M, Elman JA, Tu XM, et al.Practice effects in mild cognitive impairment increase reversion rates and delay detection of new impairments.Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:847315. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.847315Yin C, Li S, Zhao W, Feng J.Brain imaging of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.Neural Regen Res. 2013;8(5):435-444. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.05.007National Library of Medicine.Cognitive testing.Zhang X, Lian S, Zhang Y, Zhao Q.Efficacy and safety of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2022;213:107134. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107134National Institute on Aging.What is mild cognitive impairment?.Additional ReadingAlbert MS, Dekosky ST, Dickson D, et al.The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease: recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2011;7(3):270-9.Breitner JC.Mild cognitive impairment and progression to dementia: new findings. Neurology. 2014;82(4):e34-5.Driscoll I, Davatzikos C, An Y, et al.Longitudinal pattern of regional brain volume change differentiates normal aging from MCI. Neurology. 2009;72(22):1906-13.Morris JC.Revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment may compromise the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease dementia. Arch Neurol. 2012;69(6):700-8.Trittschuh EH, Crane PK, Larson EB, et al.Effects of varying diagnostic criteria on prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in a community based sample. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;25(1):163-73.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Petersen RC.Mild cognitive impairment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2016;22(2 Dementia):404-418. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000313American Psychological Association.Spotting The Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment.Alzheimer’s Association.Mild cognitive impairment.Budson AE, Solomon PR.New criteria for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment: implications for the practicing clinician.Neurologist. 2012;18(6):356-363. doi:10.1097/NRL.0b013e31826a998dLanga KM, Levine DA.The diagnosis and management of mild cognitive impairment: a clinical review.JAMA. 2014;312(23):2551-2561. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.13806Vintimilla R, Balasubramanian K, Hall J, Johnson L, O’Bryant S.Cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive dysfunction, and mild cognitive impairment.Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2020;10(3):154-162. doi:10.1159/000511103Sanderson-Cimino M, Elman JA, Tu XM, et al.Practice effects in mild cognitive impairment increase reversion rates and delay detection of new impairments.Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:847315. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.847315Yin C, Li S, Zhao W, Feng J.Brain imaging of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.Neural Regen Res. 2013;8(5):435-444. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.05.007National Library of Medicine.Cognitive testing.Zhang X, Lian S, Zhang Y, Zhao Q.Efficacy and safety of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2022;213:107134. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107134National Institute on Aging.What is mild cognitive impairment?.Additional ReadingAlbert MS, Dekosky ST, Dickson D, et al.The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease: recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2011;7(3):270-9.Breitner JC.Mild cognitive impairment and progression to dementia: new findings. Neurology. 2014;82(4):e34-5.Driscoll I, Davatzikos C, An Y, et al.Longitudinal pattern of regional brain volume change differentiates normal aging from MCI. Neurology. 2009;72(22):1906-13.Morris JC.Revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment may compromise the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease dementia. Arch Neurol. 2012;69(6):700-8.Trittschuh EH, Crane PK, Larson EB, et al.Effects of varying diagnostic criteria on prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in a community based sample. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;25(1):163-73.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Petersen RC.Mild cognitive impairment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2016;22(2 Dementia):404-418. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000313American Psychological Association.Spotting The Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment.Alzheimer’s Association.Mild cognitive impairment.Budson AE, Solomon PR.New criteria for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment: implications for the practicing clinician.Neurologist. 2012;18(6):356-363. doi:10.1097/NRL.0b013e31826a998dLanga KM, Levine DA.The diagnosis and management of mild cognitive impairment: a clinical review.JAMA. 2014;312(23):2551-2561. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.13806Vintimilla R, Balasubramanian K, Hall J, Johnson L, O’Bryant S.Cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive dysfunction, and mild cognitive impairment.Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2020;10(3):154-162. doi:10.1159/000511103Sanderson-Cimino M, Elman JA, Tu XM, et al.Practice effects in mild cognitive impairment increase reversion rates and delay detection of new impairments.Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:847315. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.847315Yin C, Li S, Zhao W, Feng J.Brain imaging of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.Neural Regen Res. 2013;8(5):435-444. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.05.007National Library of Medicine.Cognitive testing.Zhang X, Lian S, Zhang Y, Zhao Q.Efficacy and safety of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2022;213:107134. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107134National Institute on Aging.What is mild cognitive impairment?.
Petersen RC.Mild cognitive impairment.Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2016;22(2 Dementia):404-418. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000313
American Psychological Association.Spotting The Signs of Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Alzheimer’s Association.Mild cognitive impairment.
Budson AE, Solomon PR.New criteria for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment: implications for the practicing clinician.Neurologist. 2012;18(6):356-363. doi:10.1097/NRL.0b013e31826a998d
Langa KM, Levine DA.The diagnosis and management of mild cognitive impairment: a clinical review.JAMA. 2014;312(23):2551-2561. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.13806
Vintimilla R, Balasubramanian K, Hall J, Johnson L, O’Bryant S.Cardiovascular risk factors, cognitive dysfunction, and mild cognitive impairment.Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2020;10(3):154-162. doi:10.1159/000511103
Sanderson-Cimino M, Elman JA, Tu XM, et al.Practice effects in mild cognitive impairment increase reversion rates and delay detection of new impairments.Front Aging Neurosci. 2022;14:847315. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2022.847315
Yin C, Li S, Zhao W, Feng J.Brain imaging of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.Neural Regen Res. 2013;8(5):435-444. doi:10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.05.007
National Library of Medicine.Cognitive testing.
Zhang X, Lian S, Zhang Y, Zhao Q.Efficacy and safety of donepezil for mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2022;213:107134. doi:10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107134
National Institute on Aging.What is mild cognitive impairment?.
Albert MS, Dekosky ST, Dickson D, et al.The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease: recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2011;7(3):270-9.Breitner JC.Mild cognitive impairment and progression to dementia: new findings. Neurology. 2014;82(4):e34-5.Driscoll I, Davatzikos C, An Y, et al.Longitudinal pattern of regional brain volume change differentiates normal aging from MCI. Neurology. 2009;72(22):1906-13.Morris JC.Revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment may compromise the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease dementia. Arch Neurol. 2012;69(6):700-8.Trittschuh EH, Crane PK, Larson EB, et al.Effects of varying diagnostic criteria on prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in a community based sample. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;25(1):163-73.
Albert MS, Dekosky ST, Dickson D, et al.The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease: recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement. 2011;7(3):270-9.
Breitner JC.Mild cognitive impairment and progression to dementia: new findings. Neurology. 2014;82(4):e34-5.
Driscoll I, Davatzikos C, An Y, et al.Longitudinal pattern of regional brain volume change differentiates normal aging from MCI. Neurology. 2009;72(22):1906-13.
Morris JC.Revised criteria for mild cognitive impairment may compromise the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease dementia. Arch Neurol. 2012;69(6):700-8.
Trittschuh EH, Crane PK, Larson EB, et al.Effects of varying diagnostic criteria on prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in a community based sample. J Alzheimers Dis. 2011;25(1):163-73.
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