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Mild Cognitive Impairment: New Diagnosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

is a condition that causes problems with your memory, attention, and ability to think clearly. You may have problems in only one of these areas, or in all of them. These problems are common with aging, but MCI causes problems that are more than should be expected in a person your age. These problems are frustrating, but they are not severe enough to stop your activities of daily living. Rarely, MCI may go away, and your thinking may return to normal. MCI may instead get worse and develop into dementia. Dementia is a condition that causes severe loss of memory, thought control, and judgment. Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

Help create a care plan early:

A care plan is a way for you to make decisions about future care you may need. Your care plan can be set up so others know how to change it to meet your needs over time. This can be helpful if you are not able to make certain decisions later. Your providers will talk to you and anyone who lives or helps you about your personal and financial decisions. Your plan may include any of the following, depending on the type of MCI you have:

Manage MCI:

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to come in 1 to 2 times each year for tests. The tests will show if your symptoms are progressing toward dementia. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.