In this section we will discuss both what is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and what is early Alzheimer's disease. MCI is a specific type of memory loss that progresses into Alzheimer's disease at a rate of 12-15% per year, if no preventive measures are implemented.
What are the Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment?
The two main symptoms that need to be present in order for a person to be diagnosed with MCI are:
1. Memory complaint
2. Some form of other neurological difficulty (language, a problem with motor activity, a problem with sensation, or difficulty performing executive functions).
In addition to having these symptoms, the two elements, combined, need to be significant enough that they affect a person's social or occupational life.
What are the Symptoms of Early Alzheimer's Disease?
The main early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are:
1. Short-term memory loss
2. Judgment impairment
3. Personality disturbances
4. Some form of other neurological difficulty (language, a problem with motor activity, a problem with sensation, or difficulty performing executive functions.
5. Some loss of long-term memory
MCI Symptoms |
Alzheimer's Symptoms |
| • Normal general cognitive function (thinking, understanding and/or decision-making) |
• Impairment in cognitive functions (thinking, understanding and/or decision-making) |
| • Near normal activities of daily living |
• Impairment in normal activities of daily living |
| • Little or no personality change |
• Personality changes |
| • Memory impaired for their age group |
• Memory and judgment impairment |
| • Does not have dementia |
• Has dementia due to decreased mental function |
The symptoms of MCI are less severe because MCI affects some areas of memory , but not the specific long-term areas of memory or normal cognitive functions which Alzheimer's disease affects. People with MCI retain sharp thinking and reasoning skills. They can manage their finances, and can easily recall events from the past, but may have problems remembering recently acquired information or knowledge. |
