Mild cognitive impairment is a brain disorder where someone’s cognitive decline is more significant than it should be for their age and education level. However, it does not interfere with the person’s ability to complete daily tasks. Individuals with MCI have over a 50 percent chance of developing dementia within five years. In addition, there’s an amnesia subtype of mild cognitive impairment, and individuals with this brain condition are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s essential to understand the warning signs of mild cognitive impairment to know if you or a loved one is showing the beginning stages of this brain disorder. The professionals at A Cognitive Connection understand how scary and overwhelming it can be to wrap your head around having a brain disorder and then create a game plan to deal with the said brain disorder.
We’ve created unique programs and use proven therapies to help improve your cognitive abilities and strengthen your brain. In addition, we help you learn how to include brain exercises in your daily life to improve your cognitive skills and fight off the adverse side effects of mild cognitive impairment. To learn more about mild cognitive impairment, keep on reading!
Mild Cognitive Impairment Symptoms
Every individual is unique, and mild cognitive impairment can look different from person to person. However, if you notice any of the following behaviors in yourself or someone else, it may be symptoms of MCI.
- Difficulty remembering past conversations.
- Inability to remember your grocery list while shopping.
- Inability to stay focused or organized.
- Overwhelmingly hard to keep up with daily activities.
- Relying on a GPS system to drive to a very familiar location.
It’s important to remember that it’s normal for older adults to forget someone’s name once in a while or forget to pay the bills on time. Just because you occasionally show slight memory or thinking problems does not necessarily mean you have or are at risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.
What Causes MCI?
There are various causes for mild cognitive impairment and many reasons why someone may begin to show signs of memory loss. It could be the early stages of Alzheimer’s or a plaque build-up in the brain affecting the brain’s memory centers. Sometimes, people with MCI can reverse the condition. MCI is usually reversible if the memory loss is due to the following reasons.
- Endocrine Changes
- Lack Of Vitamins
- Sleep Apnea
- Certain Medications
Risk factors for developing mild cognitive impairment include:
- Living A Sedentary Lifestyle
- Being Obese
- Using Tobacco
- Having High Blood Pressure
- Having High Cholesterol
- Living With Diabetes
MCI vs. Dementia
A person with MCI is more likely to develop dementia. Usually, a person with a diagnosis of MCI has developed dementia when their condition negatively affects their ability to complete daily activities by themselves. For example, if your mom repeatedly forgot to take her morning medications and had difficulty keeping track of her medicine, it could be an early sign of dementia.
How To Help Someone With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Depending on the severity of your loved one’s condition, treatment for MCI can vary from person to person. However, it’s crucial to help their brain remain stable and help improve their brain health. You can help them do this by integrating activities such as:
- Learning A New Language
- Taking Dance Classes
- Joining A Book Club
- Volunteering
A Cognitive Connection Is Here To Teach You How To Help Someone With Cognitive Impairment
If you or a loved one is living with a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis, it can be scary and overwhelming. Our team at A Cognitive Connection is here to help you navigate the obstacles of MCI and teach you ways to improve your cognitive health.
Living with MCI can feel isolating, but with A Cognitive Connection, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you have a new diagnosis or have been dealing with this brain disorder for a few years, we’ll help you improve your brain health to lead a fulfilling life and feel independent. Contact our team to learn more about how we can help you.
