# mild cognitive impairment | Symptoms, Causes, Tests and Treatment | OSANG > Mild cognitive impairment refers to a state in which the person or guardian complains of cognitive decline and an objective decline is confirmed in neuropsychological te… - Official page: https://osns.co.kr/en/encyclopedia/mild-cognitive-impairment - Organization: OSANG Neurosurgery ## Page content Dementia/Cognition ## mild cognitive impairment Mild Cognitive Impairment · G31.84 Mild cognitive impairment is a clinical condition intermediate between normal aging and dementia in which objective cognitive decline is confirmed compared to age and education level, but independence in daily life is maintained. ## At a glance Mild cognitive impairment refers to a state in which the person or guardian complains of cognitive decline and an objective decline is confirmed in neuropsychological tests, but the ability to perform daily activities is generally preserved. The prevalence rate in people over 65 years of age is estimated to be about 15-20%, and about 10-15% of patients with mild cognitive impairment progress to dementia every year, which is higher than the 1-2% per year for the general elderly. It is classified into memory and non-memory, and progression is delayed by managing vascular risk factors and exercise. - 01Definition and Overview - 02Classification - 03cause - 04symptoms - 05diagnosis - 06Progress and Management ## Definition and Overview Mild cognitive impairment is a clinical condition in which cognitive function is objectively reduced compared to age and education level, but the degree does not reach dementia and independence in daily life is generally maintained. It corresponds to the borderline between normal aging and dementia, and is attracting attention as a pre-stage of dementia. The key to diagnosis is the cognitive decline complained of by the person or guardian, objective decline confirmed by neuropsychological testing, preserved daily life functions, and confirmation that the person does not meet the criteria for dementia. In ICD-10, it is classified as G31.84. ## Classification Mild cognitive impairment is divided into two types depending on the cognitive domain in which it is deteriorated. - Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): The main form is memory decline, and the likelihood of progressing to Alzheimer's disease is relatively high. - Non-amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI): The main form is a decline in areas other than memory, such as attention, language, visuospatial ability, and executive function. Depending on whether there is one or multiple deteriorated areas, it is further divided into single-area type and multi-area type, and this classification serves as a reference for predicting the cause of the disease in the future. ## cause Mild cognitive impairment is not a single cause but can appear as an early stage of several diseases. The most common underlying cause is Alzheimer's disease pathology, and other degenerative diseases such as cerebrovascular disease, Lewy body pathology, and frontotemporal degeneration are involved. It is important to differentiate causes that can be improved with correction, such as hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, sleep disorders, and drug side effects, because they cause cognitive decline. Vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia act as factors that increase the risk of cognitive decline and progression. ## symptoms The key point is that objective cognitive decline is confirmed while independence in daily life is maintained. The following changes often occur: - Often forgetting recent events and repeating the same questions or stories. - I often forget my appointments or where I left things. - I have trouble remembering familiar words or people's names. - I feel more difficult than before with complex plans or calculations. However, basic daily activities such as eating, hygiene, money management, and going out can be performed without much help, making it distinct from dementia, which causes significant disruption in daily functions. ## diagnosis Diagnosis aims to objectively confirm cognitive decline and identify its cause. - History taking: Check the onset time, progression pattern, accompanying symptoms, and level of daily living with the guardian. - Neuropsychological test (cognitive function test): Confirms objective decline by evaluating memory, language, visuospatial, and executive functions based on age and education level corrections. - Brain MRI: Check for structural causes such as atrophy, vascular lesions, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. - Blood tests: rule out correctable causes such as thyroid function, vitamin B12, and electrolytes. - Biomarkers: When necessary, assess Alzheimer's pathology using amyloid PET or cerebrospinal fluid tests. In normal aging, test scores are within the standard range, and in dementia, even daily life functions are impaired, while mild cognitive impairment falls in the middle. Demarcating this boundary is the key to diagnosis. ## Progress and Management Approximately 10 to 15% of patients with mild cognitive impairment progress to dementia each year, showing a higher risk of progression than the 1 to 2% per year for the general elderly. The risk of progression is higher when the mnemonic and multidomain type is present and when Alzheimer's pathology is confirmed by biomarkers. There is currently no definitive treatment to halt progression, and management focuses on controlling risk factors and regular follow-up. Management of vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, regular aerobic exercise, smoking cessation and drinking, cognitive stimulation activities, and treatment of depression and sleep disorders are reported to be helpful in delaying the progression. If dementia progression is confirmed early through follow-up tests every 6 to 12 months, a treatment plan can be developed at an appropriate time. ## Frequently asked questions ### Q01Is mild cognitive impairment dementia? Mild cognitive impairment is not dementia. Although cognitive decline is objectively confirmed, daily life is largely maintained independently, corresponding to an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. However, the risk of progressing to dementia is higher than that of normal elderly people, so regular follow-up is necessary. ### Q02Does mild cognitive impairment necessarily lead to dementia? Not everyone progresses to dementia. Approximately 10-15% of patients with mild cognitive impairment progress to dementia every year, but some remain stable and some even recover to normal. The risk of progression depends on the cause, degree of cognitive decline, and biomarker findings. ### Q03What is the difference between memory and non-memory mild cognitive impairment? Memory-related mild cognitive impairment has a noticeable decline in memory and has a relatively high risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. Non-memory mild cognitive impairment is mainly characterized by deterioration in areas other than memory, such as attention, language, visuospatial, and executive function, and is often associated with other causes. ### Q04How is mild cognitive impairment diagnosed? Through medical history and neuropsychological tests, we objectively confirm cognitive decline relative to age and education level, and confirm that independence in daily life is preserved and does not meet the criteria for dementia. Correctable causes are ruled out with brain MRI and blood tests, and if necessary, the cause is evaluated with amyloid PET. ### Q05Is there a way to slow the progression of mild cognitive impairment? Currently, there is no definite drug to stop the progression, but management of vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, regular aerobic exercise, smoking cessation and alcohol abstinence, cognitive stimulation activities, and treatment of depression are reported to be helpful. It is important to check whether dementia progresses early through regular follow-up. ### Q06How common is mild cognitive impairment? The prevalence rate in people over 65 years of age is estimated to be approximately 15-20%, and increases with age. Unlike simple forgetfulness that occurs with age, the difference is that cognitive decline is confirmed through objective tests, so it is advisable to get tested if memory changes persist. ## Related articles - Dementia Overview - Alzheimer's disease - vascular dementia - Lewy body dementia This article provides general medical information and does not replace an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Please seek a medical assessment if symptoms persist. ## Important notice This Markdown alternative helps search and AI tools understand the public page accurately. It provides general health information and does not replace an individual diagnosis or treatment.