Mild cognitive impairment–amnestic type (MCI-AT) is mild, repeated memory loss. It lies between the normal memory loss of aging and the more serious conditions of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) . MCI-AT only involves problems with memory. Dementia and Alzheimer's involve loss of other cognitive abilities, such as:
People with MCI-AT who are over age 65 have a higher chance of developing dementia and Alzheimer's. However, many people with MCI-AT never develop these disorders. Some even revert to normal.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
Research also suggests that these may be risk factors for MCI-AT:
The main symptom is frequent, ongoing memory loss beyond what is normally expected for one’s age. That means having more than small lapses of memory. If you have MCI-AT, you may:
The doctor will:
The doctor may also talk with family members and caregivers. If you have this condition, you should have your cognitive abilities tested regularly.
Treatment is focused:
Researchers are currently studying the effects that several medications may have on slowing cognitive decline. These include:
The following are being studied as ways to reduce the risk of cognitive decline:
RESOURCES:
National Institute on Aging
http://www.alzheimers.org/
National Institute on Aging
http://www.nia.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Alzheimer Association of Canada
http://www.alzheimer.ca/
Seniors Canada On-line
http://www.seniors.gc.ca/
References:
Alzheimer’s disease education and referral center. Connections: News from the ADEAR Center 1999;8(2).
Birks J, Flicker L. Donepezil for mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;3:CD006104.
DeKosky ST, Williamson JD, Fitzpatrick AL, et al. Ginko biloba for prebvention of dementia: a randomized controlled trila. JAMA. 2008;300:2306-2308.
Feldman HH, Jacova C. Mild cognitive impairment. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2005;13:645-655.
Gauthier S, Reisberg B, Zaudig M, et al. Mild cognitive impairment. Lancet . 2006;367:1262-1270.
Institute for the Study of Aging and International Longevity Center–USA (March 2001). Achieving and Maintaining Cognitive Vitality With Aging: A Workshop Report . New York, NY.
National Institute on Aging. 2001-2002 Progress Report on Alzheimer’s Disease . July 2003.
Petersen RC, Smith GE, Waring SC, Ivnik RJ, Tangalos EG, Kokmen E. Mild cognitive impairment: clinical characterization and outcome. Archives of Neurology . 1999;56:303-308.
Petersen RC. Mild cognitive impairment: current research and clinical implications. Semin Neurol. 2007;27. Available at: http://www.medscape.comn/viewarticle/553257 . Accessed on March 23, 2007.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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