What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the intermediate stage before cognitive changes of normal ageing deteriorates to dementia. It’s not really a disorder, but a slight yet noticeable and measurable decline in cognitive abilities, including memory and thinking. Despite relatively greater decline in memory performance than same-aged elderly, MCI does not affect the person’s daily living.
Causes:
The causes of MCI are not yet clearly known. It is believed that a high percentage of MCI cases are indicative of very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. MCI can be caused by an underlying illness, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Symptoms:
In the early stages, persons with MCI are aware of their cognitive difficulties, such as becoming forgetful, and may themselves mention the problems with their family or doctors. MCI may affect a person’s memory and the ability to make sound decisions and judgement for complex tasks. For example, a manager may be aware of his/her declined judgment and work abilities, and he/she may even make unwise decisions that would never have happened in the past.
Intervention
Regular exercise, such as Tai Chi and Yoga, and mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities such as those listed here may help sustain brain function:
- Social activities
- A balanced nutritious diet
- Control of weight, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol level
- Healthy living, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
