Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Anxiety
Depression
Migraines

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition that affects one or more cognitive domains (memory, language, concentration). Nearly 900 thousand Italians are affected by it and it is prevalent from the age of 60.
It is the first indicator of a disease that can become increasingly disabling and compound over time, increasing the risk of dementia. It is the transitional phase between normal aging and dementia, during which it is possible to intervene and delay the onset of the latter.

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Tests and diagnosis

In order to diagnose an anxiety disorder and exclude other conditions, your doctor may ask you to complete a psychological questionnaire. Your doctor will carry out a physical examination to check for signs of links between anxiety and an underlying medical condition.

To reach a diagnosis of anxiety, you must fulfil the criteria listed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association, and it used by doctors and psychologists to diagnose mental health conditions. Diagnostic criteria and symptoms are different for each form of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder is often accompanied by other mental health issues, such as depression or substance misuse, which may make diagnosis and treatment more challenging.

Complications

In over 50% of cases, mild cognitive impairment represents a predementia phase, where in the range of 14.4%-55.6% we have a return towards normalcy.

Dementia risk factors

Non-modifiable factors: age and genetics/family history

Modifiable factors: smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity or other recreational activities (physical, mental, social), depression, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, obesity, unbalanced diet, brain trauma, cerebrovascular disease, and vasculopathy.

Tests and Diagnosis

According to a national survey conducted with the contribution of the Italian Society of General Medicine and Primary Care (SIMG), the GP plays an important role in the early recognition of MCI.

Some of the tests used for the diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment are:

The GPCog test emerges as the most comprehensive option for the GP, as it examines the patient’s functional status, and may also be administered to the family members/caregivers if necessary.

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a 30-point neuropsychological cognitive function questionnaire. A result ranging between 24 and 20 points is an indication of MCI or mild dementia.The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) is a neuropsychological screening with a maximum total score of 30, a number that corresponds to optimal cognitive functioning.

Symptoms

MCI Symptoms

Memory impairment (e.g., forgetting recent events or asking the same questions).
Loss of concentration (e.g., becoming frequently distracted).
Language impairment (e.g., taking longer than usual when trying to find the right words).
Impaired perception of space and depth (trouble perceiving an object in three dimensions, estimating distances, or using stairs).

Alzheimer Symptoms

Mood swings (anxiety, depression, easily irritable).
Losing or misplacing items around the house.
Forgetting the name of a friend and the inability to find the correct word during a conversation.
Forgetting recent events, appointments, or important dates.
Difficulties in decision making, problem solving, or carrying out multistep tasks.
Spatial and temporal perception difficulties (having trouble remembering the way home, the day of the week, and the current date).
Repeating phrases or having trouble following a conversation.
Difficulty perceiving objects in three dimensions and judging distances.
Difficulty in using the stairs or parking the car.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

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Symptoms

THERAPEUTIC AREAS

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