Mild cognitive impairment
Mild cognitive impairment falls somewhere between age-associated memory impairment and early dementia. People with mild cognitive impairment forget more than is normal for their age but do not experience other cognitive problems associated with dementia, such as becoming disoriented or confused about routine activities. They are generally able to live independently but may be less active socially.
Many experts believe that mild cognitive impairment may be an early warning sign of memory disorders later in life. In fact, studies show that 10 to 15 percent of people with mild cognitive impairment progress to Alzheimer's disease each year, compared with a rate of 1 to 2 percent a year for the general older population. And large-scale studies are currently underway to test whether therapies can halt or slow the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's. By intervening at the first signs of memory trouble, researchers hope to delay Alzheimer's or prevent it altogether.
