Some forgetfulness can be a normal part of ageing, but some people have more memory problems than others their age. This is called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with MCI can look after themselves and carry on their normal activities.
Signs
Memory problems in MCI may include:
- losing things often;
- forgetting to go to events and appointments;
- having more trouble finding words than others of the same age.
Other causes
Memory problems can have other causes too, including certain medicines and diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain. Some of the problems these cause can be managed or reversed.
Diagnosis and follow-up
A health care provider can test thinking, memory and language to see whether you have MCI, and you may need to see a specialist for more tests. Because MCI can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, it is important to see your provider every 6 to 12 months, so any changes in memory or thinking can be tracked. There is at present no proven drug treatment for MCI.
Sources
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Mild Cognitive Impairment," drawing on the National Institute on Aging. https://medlineplus.gov/mildcognitiveimpairment.html
- Rewritten in hubnx's own words.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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