Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is adecline in cognition, including concentration, communication,memory, andorientation.

Overview

Its estimated that about 20 percent of people over the age of 70 have MCI.

Generally, as people age, they are more likely to develop MCI as well as Alzheimers disease.

Man sitting in bedroom with a look of confusion on his face

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MCI is often thought of as the period between normal cognition and whenAlzheimers diseasedevelops.

The definition of MCI has continually evolved.

The definition was then revised and allowed for problems in other cognitive areas, such as reasoning and judgment.

Causes

The cause of MCI is unknown.

How MCI Differs From Alzheimers

Symptomsof Alzheimers disease typically begin with MCI.

A periodic delay in being able to access memories is also typical as we age.

Treatment

There is no medication approved for the treatment of MCI at this time.

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