What is mild cognitive impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment is a phase of aging that is demonstrated by memory lapses and objective memory impairment. This cognitive impairment does not affect the performance of daily activities, nor does it meet dementia criteria.
It is a pathology that is associated with age, occurring in one in ten people over the age of 65. The disease is also characterized by having a different extent between men and women, as well as being more frequent with advancing age.
Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment
The usual symptoms in mild cognitive impairment is difficulty in acquiring new memories, without losing knowledge or forgetting your biography. In general the symptoms are:
– Inability to remember what was done two or three days ago.
– Inability to remember social engagements or doctor’s appointments.
– Frequent forgetfulness of where things have been left or put away.
– In the same conversation, the same question may be repeated more than once. Likewise, the person may forget important facts that are discussed.
– It is also normal to confuse or alter the order of dates, as well as recent events or holidays.
– When interacting with other people, it is common to be less patient, more irascible and irritable.
Mild cognitive impairment is a phase of aging that is demonstrated by memory lapses and objective memory impairment.
What are the causes of mild cognitive impairment?
The clearest cause of Mild Cognitive Impairment is age, as difficulty in remembering is something that is associated with the passage of time. Other causes associated with this deterioration are genetic factors, which also play an important role in the transition from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. Cardiovascular risk factors also play a role, as cardiovascular pathologies can affect cerebral blood vessels. Lifestyle habits are also important, as obesity and alcohol or substance abuse affect the brain.
Can it be prevented?
Mild cognitive impairment can be prevented by maintaining brain health, so it is important to maintain certain habits that ensure brain activity and keep the brain active:
– Maintain brain activity through social activities or some activities that are new and challenging for the mind. It is also important not to stop reading and find a hobby to follow on a daily basis.
– Regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes daily, in order to avoid brain atrophy.
– Eat a healthy diet and control cardiovascular risk factors.
-It is also important to sleep 8 hours a day and avoid living with stress, since chronic stress directly affects the generation of new memories.
To control its evolution, the most important thing is to go to the doctor when the first symptoms appear.
What is the treatment?
For now there is no treatment for mild cognitive impairment, but there is evidence that maintaining brain and physical activity, as well as eating a healthy diet, reduces the chances of mild cognitive impairment.