It’s Better to Know

If you sometimes misplace your keys or eyeglasses because you are distracted, it could be normal behavior. But if that starts happening a lot more frequently as you age, or with items that you never used to misplace, that may be a sign of MCI.—Mild Cognitive Impairment.

In addition, if you are finding the tax forms more challenging, or having trouble organizing your bills, when you always accomplished those tasks easily, that too, can be a red flag. But, if you always put your glasses on the nightstand and lately you’ve been leaving them in the kitchen cupboard, or the refrigerator that is cause for concern.

After death or illness of a loved one, research indicates that the two leading fears in retirement are: 1. Outliving savings and investments, and 2. Deteriorating Health leading to losing independence.

The difference between MCI and dementia is subtle, although in some cases, MCI does not progress—or progresses slowly—to dementia.  For about 1/3 of people, it happens within five years of their diagnosis, according to an analysis in Neuropsychology Review; although for others, the timeframe can vary widely.  Each person’s trajectory is different. Approximately 12 to 18% of Americans age 60 or older have mild cognitive impairment., According to the Alzheimer’s association.

Sometimes symptoms of MCI might be caused by over medication— a study involving people in their 60s, published in the International Journal of clinical pharmacy found significantly higher rates of cognitive impairment among those on five or more medications.

Meanwhile, someone with MCI often will do well on a battery of thinking tests, but their short term memory will be impaired. That seems to be the classic story.

While there is no cure, an early diagnosis of MCI means people can be treated sooner and new drugs may slow the disease, allowing people to plan for the future and be involved in important decisions.   A study in Neurology
suggests a positive association between the diet, getting daily exercise and staying socially engaged. Doctors also recommended getting adequate sleep and managing health conditions that can worsen cognitive problems, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Interesting  to note, some doctors indicate the most favorable definition of Alzheimer’s dementia would be as a disorder of social function—because it is the quality and quantity of social support that can determine a patient’s quality of life and speed of disease progression.

As Americans continue to live longer, MCI and dementia, are poised to become the biggest challenge of the next few decades.