Mild Cognitive Impairment

There is a syndrome in which people experience a decline in brain function that is troubling but does not yet meet the criteria for dementia. The problem is often with memory, but other cognitive functions, such as language, judgment and reasoning might also be in decline. This syndrome is called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).27 Generally speaking, people with MCI are able to perform everyday tasks of living and their cognitive impairment may not be noticed by those outside of a close circle of friends and family. Many experts believe that MCI is a pre-dementia condition. It appears that people with MCI go on to develop advanced dementia at much higher rates than people with no evidence of MCI. Careful monitoring of MCI progression is key in helping to identify the potential onset of dementia. Research shows that memory medications work more effectively in early MCI stages than they do when a person has more advanced dementia – another reason to detect MCI as soon as possible. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are the tasks we perform every day that come easy to people who do not have cognitive impairment. Examples of IADLs include grocery shopping, banking, housekeeping and planning a family gathering. These are the tasks that first become difficult with a person developing MCI though the difficulties may not be obvious to others. Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the tasks we do that are more oriented to self-care e.g., dressing, grooming, eating and personal hygiene. People with Mild Cognitive Impairment are able to accomplish ADLs without much difficulty. There are assessments that can determine a person’s ability to function that may give a picture of that person’s cognitive health. Experts agree that a 40 | Mental Health in Later Life: A Guidebook for Older Marylanders and the People Who Care for Them functional assessment is important and helpful in addressing emerging needs and developing a plan to support health, safety and function. There are a growing number of such assessments.