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
Related terms
- Cognitive declineCognitive decline is a drop in memory, thinking, judgment, or language.
- DementiaDementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.
- Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly harms memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to do simple tasks.
- 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.
- Advance care planningAdvance care planning is the process of thinking about and sharing your wishes for future medical care.
- Companion careCompanion care is non-medical home care that focuses on company and everyday help.
