What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is regarded as the stage between normal cognition and dementia. MCI is defined as the presentation of objective cognitive impairment on neuropsychological testing with minimal impairment to daily functioning.
There are modifiable risk factors that contribute to the risk of MCI, such as low educational attainment, poor hearing, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, low mood. There are also non-modifiable risk factors that increase the risk of MCI such as sex (woman) and family history of dementia. The global prevalence of MCI for older adults aged above 50 years old, has been found to be 15%.
Undetected MCI may progress to more advanced and serious brain diseases in the future. As a result, proactive screening of MCI becomes critical – not only for those experiencing cognitive symptoms but also for healthy individuals with underlying risk factors.
Age is the biggest risk factor for developing dementia. However, biological changes start to occur up to 20 years before the onset of dementia. Therefore, the onset of cognitive decline is not just confined to later years. In many instances, MCI symptoms may remain stable over time if symptoms are detected and treated. Detecting symptoms early allows for lifestyle modifications such as improved sleep, diet and exercise habits. Undetected MCI may progress to more advanced and serious brain diseases in the future. As a result, proactive screening of MCI becomes critical – not only for those experiencing cognitive symptoms but also for healthy individuals with underlying risk factors. By proactively screening for MCI, healthcare professionals can monitor for any cognitive decline and potentially intervene to preserve cognition, improving quality of life for those with cognitive impairment and at-risk individuals.
References:
Bai, W., Chen, P., Cai, H., Zhang, Q., Su, Z., Cheung, T., … & Xiang, Y. T. (2022). Worldwide prevalence of mild cognitive impairment among community dwellers aged 50 years and older: a meta-analysis and systematic review of epidemiology studies. Age and ageing, 51(8), afac173.
Campbell, N. L., Unverzagt, F., LaMantia, M. A., Khan, B. A., & Boustani, M. A. (2013). Risk factors for the progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Clinics in geriatric medicine, 29(4), 873–893. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cger.2013.07.009
Corbo, I., Marselli, G., Di Ciero, V., & Casagrande, M. (2023). The Protective Role of Cognitive Reserve in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. Journal of clinical medicine, 12(5), 1759. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12051759
Nägga, K., Bränsvik, V., Stomrud, E., Melander, O., Nilsson, P. M., Gustavsson, A. M., & Hansson, O. (2022). Prevalence and Ascertainment of Dementia Cases in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease reports, 6(1), 529–538. https://doi.org/10.3233/ADR-220003
Petersen, R. C., Lopez, O., Armstrong, M. J., Getchius, T. S. D., Ganguli, M., Gloss, D., Gronseth, G. S., Marson, D., Pringsheim, T., Day, G. S., Sager, M., Stevens, J., & Rae-Grant, A. (2018). Practice guideline update summary: Mild cognitive impairment: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 90(3), 126–135. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000004826
Petersen, R. C., Lopez, O., Armstrong, M. J., Getchius, T. S. D., Ganguli, M., Gloss, D., Gronseth, G. S., Marson, D., Pringsheim, T., Day, G. S., Sager, M., Stevens, J., & Rae-Grant, A. (2018). Practice guideline update summary: Mild cognitive impairment: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 90(3), 126–135. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000004826
Salthouse, T. A. (2009). When does age-related cognitive decline begin?. Neurobiology of aging, 30(4), 507-514.
Xiu, S., Liao, Q., Sun, L., & Chan, P. (2019). Risk factors for cognitive impairment in older people with diabetes: a community-based study. Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism, 10, 2042018819836640. https://doi.org/10.1177/2042018819836640
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