Aging & Health: Take Charge
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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:
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
I have MCI myself. I had a doctor's assistant ask me this question: How many animals can you name in one minute. Can you believe I only named three animals! I named the ones I had actually had in my home: dog, cat, monkey. Then I had a blank. I have only been to the zoo twice in my life and have been pretty much a stay at home person. Not many animals except on TV in my life.
@0616
This information was very helpful and reassuring to those of us who have had some memory loss. As an octogenarian I become very anxious when I sometimes cannot remember a name.