Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by clear evidence of problems with cognitive abilities, most often with short term memory. The ability to perform day to day functions – such as managing a household, personal medication, or financial matters – is typically preserved or shows only minor changes. Most people living with MCI recognize their memory is declining. They often express concern they may have Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer's) and want to take preventive steps to preserve their memory.
A diagnosis of MCI means that an individual meets the following criteria:
- Short term memory problems
- Cognitive problems involving other cognitive abilities, such as language and reasoning
- Abnormal cognitive loss for age and level of education
- Normal function in all other areas of daily living
MCI & Alzheimer's
Some studies show that 44% of the people with MCI progress to Alzheimer's within three years; however, that means over 50% of people living with MCI do not develop Alzheimer's.
One important area of research is learning to distinguish between the people with MCI who will likely develop Alzheimer's and those who likely will not. Researchers also want to find ways to stop the progression from MCI on to Alzheimer's.
When attempting to distinguish between Alzheimer’s symptoms and those of MCI, it is good to note that people with Alzheimer's generally have:
- More severe problems with memory and other cognitive abilities
- Decline in daily functioning at home or work
To be sure if an individual is living with MCI or Alzheimer’s, seek a professional evaluation.
MCI Evaluations
How mild cognitive impairment relates to Alzheimer’s disease
Some studies show that 44% of the people with MCI progress to Alzheimer's within three years; however, that means over 50% of people living with MCI do not develop Alzheimer's.
One important area of research is learning to distinguish between the people with MCI who will likely develop Alzheimer's and those who likely will not. Researchers also want to find ways to stop the progression from MCI on to Alzheimer's.
When attempting to distinguish between Alzheimer’s symptoms and those of MCI, it is good to note that people with Alzheimer's generally have:
- More severe problems with memory and other cognitive abilities
- Decline in daily functioning at home or work
To be sure if an individual is living with MCI or Alzheimer’s, seek a professional evaluation.
MCI Treatments
Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D. of the Mayo Clinic, Allan Levey, M.D., Ph.D. Emory University School of Medicine, and other Alzheimer’s Disease Center investigators reported in the June 9, 2005 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine findings from the Memory Impairment Study. Study participants with mild cognitive impairment who took donepezil (Aricept) were at reduced risk of progressing to Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer's) during the first year of the study. Although the benefits for the overall group did not persist, there was a much more significant effect for the subgroup of subjects with a genetic predisposition to develop Alzheimer's, which lasted for the entire 3-year study period. Vitamin E was also tested in this study and found to have no effect on preventing conversion from MCI to Alzheimer's. This study is important since it is the first to report a delay in transition from MCI to Alzheimer's, providing hope that future research may find even more effective ways to delay the onset of Alzheimer's. Research that leads to delaying the onset of Alzheimer's by even 5 years could reduce by 50% the number of people living with Alzheimer's by the year 2050.
Research Studies
The Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center has a major research emphasis on learning more about normal age-related memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer’s disease. There are several studies, some nationwide, that are currently enrolling people who have MCI. If you are interested in learning about these studies call 404-728-6950.