Changes in memory and thinking are common in older age and are often of great concern to the individuals’ experiencing changes. Seeking help from medical practitioners may result in a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or minor neuro-cognitive disorder.
MCI is generally defined as memory or thinking decline that does not significantly affect the ability to do everyday activities. To diagnose dementia, there needs to be loss in the ability to carry out functional, that is everyday, activities.
MCI can be due to a variety of causes. Some people with MCI will progress to develop dementia, others won’t progress. Visiting the doctor for monitoring of your cognitive health can be helpful and importantly, learning about how to improve your brain health can delay or even improve symptoms.
If you have noticed changes or difficulties in cognitive (thinking) abilities in yourself or others you can, ask a GP for an assessment.
Types of MCI
MCI is sometimes divided in to two main ‘types’ – amnestic and non-amnestic. Amnestic refers to loss of memory.
Amnestic MCI
Amnestic MCI is the most common and symptoms include changes in memory and thinking. The person may forget important information that they had previously recalled easily, such as appointments, conversations or recent events.
Non-amnestic MCI
Non-amnestic MCI affects cognitive abilities other than memory. The person may experience changes to thinking skills, such as difficulties with language, attention, problem-solving and/or changes to their visual perception.
Dementia risk reduction for people with MCI
While people with MCI have an increased risk of developing dementia, there is growing scientific evidence that lifestyle changes can slow down or reduce the risk of people with MCI progressing to dementia.
The World Health Organization’s 12 recommendations to improve brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline include:
- Quit smoking
- Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid excessive drinking
- Spend time with others and be socially active
- Take care of your mental health and seek help if you feel depressed or anxious
- Engage in activities that challenge your brain, like puzzles or memory games or learn a new skill
- Stay physically active
- Eat a balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, focussing of colourful vegetables, healthy fats (like olive oil) legumes, and fish
- Take care of your weight by eating well and staying active
- Regularly check your blood pressure and control if high
- Keep your cholesterol levels within a healthy range
- Manage diabetes properly
- Protect your hearing and address any hearing problems you may have.
Ask a GP or other healthcare professionals for personalised advice about reducing your dementia risk. They can refer you to specific therapies for rehabilitation including:
- speech pathology
- occupational therapy
- physiotherapy and/or exercise physiology
- psychology
- nutrition and dietetics.
There is some evidence the nutritional supplement ‘Souvenaid’ may help slow progression of cognitive impairment in the early stages. It is available via pharmacies and online chemists. Read more about Souvenaid on Dementia Australia’s website. For general advice and to maintain a healthy diet, read the article Nutrition and dementia.
Programs for people with MCI
Dementia Australia’s Thinking Ahead Program
This small-group program is specifically designed for people diagnosed with MCI. It comprises five educational sessions (2.5 hours each) including strategies and practical tips to manage changes as well as improve brain health and minimise your risk of developing dementia. The program is free and is available face-to-face or online (depending on your location).
For more information visit Dementia Australia’s Thinking Ahead Program.
Dementia Australia’s Brain Track App
If you want to monitor your thinking and memory over time, try Dementia Australia’s Brain Track App. The app provides brain health information through fun, travel-themed games that test your cognition. You can use the results from the Brain Track App to start a conversation with your GP or general practice nurse.
Brain training programs
Brain training involves mental exercises to improve different aspects of memory and thinking. In research studies mental exercises are usually presented on a computer, sometimes in the form of a game. If you are interested in trying computerised brain training here are some companies which offer tailored brain training programs online. You can try some of them for free but there is a monthly fee or you can buy a lifetime package.
Get involved in research
There are a numerous research studies looking into what causes MCI and its relationship with dementia. People diagnosed with MCI may like to get involved with research projects in the hope their participation might bring benefits such as access to new treatments. Some people find it meaningful to know that their participation will help others in the future.
You can register your interest via StepUp for Dementia Research and you will be matched with opportunities to participate in relevant research projects in Australia.
StepUp for Dementia Research is the first systematic and inclusive way for dementia researchers to recruit participants in Australia. I find it helps to keep me informed about research projects that I may not otherwise hear about. You can sign-up to find out more about different research studies and opportunities to participate.”
Dementia advocate, Bobby Redman.
