Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Before dementia occurs you may have a condition referred to as mild cognitive impairment or MCI. MCI causes changes in cognitive function that are noticeable to both the patient and others but do not interfere with ability to function day-to-day. There are two forms of MCI. One form involves memory function and the other involves other cognitive functions such as decision making skills, planning skills etc. If you are diagnosed with MCI then you do have a higher risk of developing dementia going forward and again this is where successful ageing strategies and cognitive retraining become useful. It should also be noted that not everyone who is diagnosed with MCI goes on to develop dementia. Some remain in the MCI category and some return to normal cognitive functioning. It is recommended if you are diagnosed with MCI that you would have a repeat assessment 6 months later to evaluate for any evidence of progression to dementia.