Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Serious Warning Sign for Dementia
As we age, it’s important not to brush off forgetfulness as a typical part of getting older. Forgetfulness may actually be a sign of a condition called ‘mild cognitive impairment’, where the natural aging process transitions into dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment is not enough to diagnose general dementia, but it is a condition where cognitive functions such as memory are visibly impaired.
While memory decline is a normal change that comes with age, the level of cognitive function decline that occurs in the natural aging process does not significantly impact everyday life. It only slightly impairs memory or situational coping skills.
However, special attention must be given to the stage of ‘mild cognitive impairment’, where objective cognitive function testing confirms the extent of functional decline. Although individuals in this stage can still perform daily activities, it is crucial to prevent and manage their condition to avoid rapid progression into Alzheimer’s or frontotemporal dementia.
Referred to as the pre-dementia stage, mild cognitive impairment is classified as a high-risk group for developing dementia. While only 1-2% of normal elderly patients progress to dementia each year, 10-15% of individuals with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia. Therefore, mild cognitive impairment is the earliest stage at which dementia can be detected, and it offers an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Dr. Yoon Seung-jae, head of the Neurology Department at Seran Hospital, highlights the importance of treating mild cognitive impairment as a means of preventing dementia rather than focusing on symptom improvement.
With proper treatment and management, patients with mild cognitive impairment can maintain their condition without progressing to dementia or even revert to a normal aging state.
Managing vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia is crucial. Regular exercise, such as walking three or more times a week, also plays a significant role. Quitting smoking is essential to prevent brain damage, and precautions should be taken to avoid head injuries.
Mild ‘pre-dementia’ cognitive impairment should not be taken lightly
Enter 2023.09.03 09:02 Hit 5 Enter 2023.09.03 09:02 Edit 2023.09.03 08:59 Hit 5
If you forget something as you get older, don’t dismiss it as simple forgetfulness. [사진=게티이미지뱅크]If you forget something as you get older, don’t dismiss it as simple forgetfulness. This is because it can be ‘mild cognitive impairment’, a condition where the normal aging process goes over into dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment is not enough to diagnose general dementia, but objectively, it is a condition where cognitive functions such as memory are clearly impaired.
Memory decline due to aging is a natural change. However, the degree of decline in cognitive function that occurs during the normal aging process does not have a significant impact on everyday life. Only at a level where memory or situational coping skills are partially degraded.
However, attention needs to be paid to the stage of ‘mild cognitive impairment’, where the degree of functional decline is confirmed in an objective cognitive function test. Although the cognitive ability to perform daily life is still preserved, without proper prevention and management, it can quickly develop into Alzheimer’s dementia or frontotemporal dementia.
It is also known as the pre-dementia stage, and is classified as a high risk group for dementia. Each year, only 1-2% of normal elderly patients progress to dementia, but 10-15% of patients with mild cognitive impairment progress to dementia. Therefore, mild cognitive impairment is the earliest stage at which dementia can be detected, and the effect of treatment can also be increased.
Yoon Seung-jae, head of the Department of Neurology at Seran Hospital, said, “The purpose of treatment for mild cognitive impairment is to prevent progression to dementia rather than improve symptoms.” He emphasizes that he does that,” he emphasized.
However, depending on treatment and management, patients with mild cognitive impairment can maintain their condition without developing dementia or return to a normal aging state.
Appropriate management of vascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia is necessary, and regular exercise such as walking three or more times a week is also important. Stopping smoking should be avoided, and damage to the brain should be prevented, such as being careful not to injure the head.
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