Mild
cognitive impairment (MCI) is a health condition that affects an
individual’s cognitive skills. It has adverse effects on patient’s
memory as well as on thinking abilities. Individuals suffering from
MCI are always at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Usually, it is considered the phase between normal aging process and
dementia.
What
are the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment?
- Memory issues
- Difficulties in decision making
- Problem in judgment abilities
- Language disturbance
- Deterioration in visual perception
- Problem in interpreting instructions
Family
and friends of patient can easily recognize the difference in
behavior. People suffering from MCI face difficulties in performing
daily tasks since they forget things or cannot decide. It is also
normal for the Mild cognitive impairment patients to experience
anxiety, irritability, and depression. If you notice any of the
symptoms in your family member or friend, you should immediately
contact the best physician
in Port Jefferson or
your city.
What
causes mild cognitive impairment in an individual?
According
to the healthcare experts, there is not defined cause or reason
behind the beginning of this syndrome in an individual. Therefore,
increasing age is considered a risk factor for this condition. People
suffer from memory issues with aging, which may lead to MCI. Factors
like diabetes, depression, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea,
physical inactivity, and high blood pressure also affect the
functionality of brain.
How
is it diagnosed?
There is
no specific medical test to diagnose this condition. Physicians
determine if a patient has mild cognitive impairment or not on the
basis of their symptoms. Doctors evaluate the provided health
information of an individual. They ask patients question about
symptoms like if they are experiencing memory loss or issues with
decision making. Physicians also check for dementia. One cannot be
diagnosed both with dementia and MCI. Doctors also evaluate an
individual’s condition with Neurological exam, lab tests, MRI, CT
scan and more.
How
MCI is treated?
Like
diagnosis, there is no specific treatment for this syndrome.
Healthcare experts recommend to get some treatments of Alzheimer’s
disease. Since MCI is slightly similar to Alzheimer’s disease, a
mild cognitive impairment patient can get treatments like
antioxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors.
Since
there is no specific cause, treatment, or diagnosis for this
condition, it is important for an individual to take proper care of
health. If doctor determines that patient is suffering from MCI, then
it becomes important to get regular health checkup. It ensures that
patient’s condition is not getting worse.