Mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

The term mild cognitive impairment (MCI) describes a clinical entity in which there is a decline in one or more cognitive functions, leading to a relative loss of ability to perform complex activities (e.g. professional activities); individual with MCI do not meet diagnostic criteria for dementia. MCI may be secondary to diverse etiologies, including poorly controlled systemic diseases, polypharmacy, depression, etc; however, in many cases, it corresponds to an incipient stage of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia. Individuals with MCI may improve, stabilize, or progress to a fully developed dementia, according to the underlying cause. The diagnosis of MCI is based on clinical criteria and complimentary tests aim to disclose treatable diseases and to identify individuals with increased risk of conversion to dementia. Treatment is targeted to the underlying condition, whenever identifiable. Cognitive rehabilitation may prove useful in the management of specific deficits, such as attention and memory.