What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

We all forget things from time to time; where we put the keys or the name of the person we just met, and most of us will notice a natural decline in our memory and thinking skills as we age. This is how a normal, healthy brain functions - it forgets the 'less important' things so it can focus our energy on the things it thinks are 'more important', but for a person with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the decline in their memory and thinking skills are worse than we would expect for their age group. The good news is; this decline doesn't get in the way of day-to-day activities, and people living with mild-cognitive impairment can still enjoy a normal life; work, drive, and independently manage their responsibilities.

What are the Symptoms of MCI?

The symptoms of MCI don't normally effect the day to day life of those diagnosed too much, and can sometimes even come and go, but every experience is unique to the individual.

Symptoms may include:

• Misplacing items, having trouble remembering recent events and/or conversations

• Difficulty concentrating on tasks or activities

• Problems with thinking skills including problems with planning or completing tasks, cooking a meal and managing money

• Feeling disorientated or confused about the time, dates or places

• Problems with communicating

• Low moods, irritability and anxiousness

What causes MCI?

MCI can be caused by a range of conditions and pre-existing health issues such as sleep and thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune conditions and the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia, but it can also be cause by things like stress, depression and anxiety.

Knowing the cause (or causes) of a persons MCI is an important step in both getting the right treatment, and identifying other possible symptoms or risks that might appear in the future should it be a symptom of the early stages of dementia.

Does MCI lead to dementia?

For half of people with MCI their symptoms stay the same, neither getting worse or better, but each year around 1 in 10 people diagnosed with MCI develop one or more types of dementia. The time this takes varies from person to person, and for those who's MCI is caused by the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or another type of dementia, their symptoms will get worse over time. This can be a gradual process, and often goes unnoticed in the early stages.

Is there a cure for MCI?

In the UK currently there are no specific treatments for MCI, but for those whose symptoms are caused by an underlying condition such as a thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiency, medications and treatments are available to help manage the condition, which in turn can help improve symptoms. Other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure that may make MCI symptoms worse can also be managed.

A lot of research is being done into non-drug treatments for MCI, including memory training and computer based brain training. The effects of exercise and diet changes are also being investigated, and may help to reduce the chance of those diagnosed with MCI developing dementia.

To find out more about current research studies, visit www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk or call Alzheimer's Research UK's infoline on 03001115111

How can I reduce my risk of developing MCI?

The factors that increase our chances of developing MCI are the same for the development of dementia, including age, genetics and lifestyle, and other health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and stroke. Keeping our brains and bodies as active and healthy as possible helps to reduce the risk of both MCI and dementia too!

• Stop smoking

• Control blood pressure

• Keep blood sugar at a healthy level

• Eat a balances diet

• Keep cholesterol at a healthy level

• Limiting alcohol intake

• Keeping physically and mentally active

• Brain games and exercises

What support is available for people diagnosed with MCI?

The Admiral Nurse Helpline offers practical and medical advice and emotional support to people affected by MCI and dementia. To get in touch, call 08008886678 or e-mail helpline@dementiauk.org 

Alzheimer's Society provides information and support for those affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Call 03331503456 or email dementia.connect@alzheimers.org.uk 

Alzheimer's Scotland provides advice, support and information on local services in Scotland for people affected by dementia. Call 08088083000 or email helpline@alzscot.org