I just was told by a neuropsychologist that you can have MCI and Alzheimer's simultaneously. Also, he said that highly functional individuals can score perfectly on the 30 question test and still have Alzheimer's--which explains why I had to fight with the neurologist to be referred for testing. Even Stanford told me I scored "exceptional for a person of my age" and said I was told I would never get Alzheimer's even after 3 different years of testing when I knew I was declining. It was a waste of many years of neuropsychological testing. But, you need a diagnosis for insurance coverage. It took the scans to change the conversations. Yes, it is depressing to learn you have dementia, but I found it comforting to get a firm diagnosis. I am also comforted by knowing that I will not lie in bed for years before I exit this life. The US states that allow 'death with dignity' unfortunately require a max of six months prognosis until death and that you are coherent enough to request assisted death a couple of times before they okay it. Next week I am going to Switzerland to check out Dignitas which doesn't have the catch 22 limitations that exclude individuals with dementia. Unfortunately, the travel costs and fees are expensive. But I will not lay there for years and die the painful for all deaths that my mother and grandmother did. Good luck and best wishes to all caregivers and patients who suffer.