---
title: "What Is Mild cognitive impairment? Home Care Glossary"
description: "Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory or thinking decline that the person and family can notice but that does not stop most daily..."
url: https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/mild-cognitive-impairment/
publisher: HomeCare.com
phone: 800-974-3458
start: https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com
---

Daily living and health

# Mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory or thinking decline that the person and family can notice but that does not stop most daily activities. Some people with MCI later develop dementia. Others stay the same or improve. A doctor makes the diagnosis.

## Why it matters for your family

MCI sits between normal aging and dementia. A person may forget appointments or lose words but still handle most daily tasks. A doctor can check for causes, including medicines, sleep problems, or mood. Follow-up visits track change over time. A common mistake is ignoring it or assuming it will turn into dementia. Neither is certain. Families can use this time to plan, update legal papers, and set up helpful routines. Home care, such as companion care, can add structure if daily tasks become harder. Keep a short log of memory slips, with dates, so the doctor can see change over time.

Source: [alz.org](https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/related_conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment)

[Read more: Caring for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients at Home with help from HomeCare.com: A Guide for Families](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/chronic-conditions/alzheimers-dementia-home-care/)

## Related terms

-   [**Cognitive decline**Cognitive decline is a drop in memory, thinking, judgment, or language.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/cognitive-decline/)
-   [**Dementia**Dementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/dementia/)
-   [**Alzheimer's disease**Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly harms memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to do simple tasks.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/alzheimers-disease/)
-   [**Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)**Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are tasks needed to live on your own, such as managing money, taking medicines, cooking, housekeeping, shopping, and using transportation or a phone.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/instrumental-activities-of-daily-living/)
-   [**Advance care planning**Advance care planning is the process of thinking about and sharing your wishes for future medical care.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/advance-care-planning/)
-   [**Companion care**Companion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/companion-care/)

[All glossary terms](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/)

## Talk to a care advisor today.

Free consultation. No minimums, no contracts.

[800-974-3458](tel:+18009743458)

[Call a care advisor](tel:+18009743458)[Find a caregiver online](https://care.homecare.com/?source=homecare.com)

![A caregiver helping an older adult walk safely](https://homecare.preview.multisites.ai/_astro/mobility.Doj5AZnu_14WFFj.webp)