Alzheimer's and Mild Cognitive Impairment: What's the Connection?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when someone experiences problems with memory, language, thinking, or planning. These symptoms are greater than the changes that normally come with aging but may not impact daily life.^1-3

What are the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment?

Doctors describe MCI in 2 different ways: amnestic and non-amnestic. Amnestic MCI is more common and is when you mainly experience memory issues. Non-amnestic MCI is when you experience other issues, such as problems with language or changes in your vision.^1,4

Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment are different depending on what kind of MCI you have. They may include:^1,5

• Often losing things
• Forgetting appointments or events
• Sometimes having trouble coming up with words
• Having trouble finishing tasks

How is mild cognitive impairment diagnosed?

To diagnose MCI, doctors review your medical history and run tests. One of these is a cognitive assessment. This test can measure changes in your memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and planning.¹

The relationship between MCI and Alzheimer’s

People with MCI may have a higher risk of developing dementia. Studies estimate that 10 percent to 15 percent of people with MCI go on to develop dementia every year. Data also show that about half of people aged 65 and older with MCI have MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease.^1,6

Mild cognitive impairment is often an early sign of Alzheimer's. One study looked at people with Alzheimer’s disease. It found that 99 percent of people with Alzheimer’s over the age of 65 had cognitive impairment as one of their first symptoms. By comparison, 80 percent of people with Alzheimer’s under the age of 65 had cognitive impairment as an early symptom.⁷

Be aware of the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and speak to your doctor if you have any of them. A survey found that fewer than 1 in 5 Americans knew about the signs of MCI. The same survey found that half of Americans said a description of MCI sounded like normal aging.¹

If you are diagnosed with MCI, tests can confirm whether you have Alzheimer’s disease. These could include tests that detect Alzheimer’s biomarkers.^1,4

What else causes mild cognitive impairment?

Some health conditions and other factors can also cause MCI. MCI could:^1,5

1. Be a side effect of medicines you take
2. Result from depression or sleep deprivation
3. Be caused by strokes or brain injuries

For some people with MCI, there is no known cause. But the risk of developing MCI increases with age. A review looked at more than 30 MCI studies and found that more than 16 percent of adults over the age of 65 had MCI. This number increased with age. The review found that more than 37 percent of adults over the age of 80 had MCI.⁸

Is there a cure for mild cognitive impairment?

If you have a reversible cause of MCI, such as depression or side effects from a medicine, then treating your depression or changing your medicine can improve or completely get rid of your symptoms.¹

For MCI with no treatable cause, there are no approved medicines. However, you can take steps to stay healthy and manage the changes. These actions include:^5,9

• Minimizing alcohol intake
• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising
• Eating well