Talking to you doctor about memory loss

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is often the first step in the decline from normal cognitive function to forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The primary symptom is memory loss that’s noticeable to you and those around you — for example, difficulties remembering doctor appointments or recent conversations — but it’s not enough to hinder your daily activities or prevent you from being independent.

However, if you find yourself reluctant to talk to your doctor about memory loss, realize that many people who have MCI don’t develop dementia, and the condition will remain stable or even improve. Knowing this can be reassuring. In addition, memory loss that may seem to be MCI is sometimes caused by treatable conditions such as:

• Side effects from certain medications, such as opioids, antihistamines, antidepressants and urinary incontinence drugs
• Physical inactivity
• Social isolation
• Alcohol consumption
• Depression
• Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism)
• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• High or low blood sugar
• Dehydration and constipation
• Vision or hearing loss
• Sleep disturbances such as obstructive sleep apnea or insomnia
• Accumulation of fluid in the brain (normal-pressure hydrocephalus)
• Infections, including HIV, syphilis, urinary tract infections and infections involving the brain

Join one of the many informative and supportive conversations in our Caregivers: Dementia group.

For more guidance and advice on MCI, visit the Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) page