Mild cognitive impairment, commonly known as MCI, is a diagnosis given to people who are somewhere in between normal aging and dementia. This clinical label is applied to individuals with short- or long-term memory impairments that do not affect their day-to-day functioning.

Compared to their peers, older people with MCI are at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. However, these individuals are in a “grey zone”, meaning some may go on to develop dementia, whereas others remain stable and do not experience further decline. Researchers have now determined that every year, about 16 percent of people with MCI will develop dementia.

Because people with MCI may be in the very early stages of a dementia, it is recommended that they be monitored regularly for any declines in cognitive functioning. This increases the ability of their physician to start treating the person as early as possible, should dementia develop.

Overall, MCI is still a controversial clinical concept, with several different diagnostic criteria and definitions of memory loss currently being used. Research is still being conducted in order to gain a better understanding of individuals who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment.

If you are concerned about your memory or other cognitive functions, speak to your doctor.