Mild cognitive impairment is detected through a cognitive test, which assesses the decline (in relation to age) of some of the intellectual functions (especially memory), which do not evolve in successive controls. Thus, mild cognitive impairment does not lead to disability in relation to their previous capacity.
In dementia, the main criterion is that cognitive impairment is progressive and hinders instrumental activities of daily living.
In the case of mild cognitive impairment, we must initiate treatments, especially cognitive stimulation, since we know that more than 50% can end in dementia and can be prevented.
How to prevent dementia
To maintain a healthy brain we advise:
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle: it is important to practice moderate physical exercise daily. For example, the classic 10,000 steps, which is enough to do 3-4 times a week; it is the most practical way to keep our memory intact, since we improve cerebral circulation.
- Keep intellectually active: either by reading magazines, books, doing cognitive stimulation exercises, learning languages, lectures, etc.
- Participate in social activities: outings with friends and family, collaborate with society. We are social beings and confinement is unnatural for us.
- Control of vascular risk factors: blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. It is important to maintain a healthy diet low in refined sugars and saturated fats, but rich in vegetables and fish, to avoid obesity at all costs.
- Avoid toxic substances: avoid smoking and consume alcohol only in moderation, and prevent falls.
- Have a positive attitude towards life: eliminate stress as much as possible and ask for help in the face of the frequent depressive symptoms of old age, which can be controlled with appropriate drugs without side effects.
In the face of mild cognitive impairment, we should initiate cognitive stimulation aimed at enhancing existing mental abilities: memory, orientation, language, attention, executive functions, praxias and gnosias. Either on our own or, more fun, in memory courses.
FundaciĂłn Mente has been giving courses in its centers in Palma for more than 20 years. Before the onset of dementia, it will be considered to go to a day care center to delay in many years its evolution, together with the current drugs. Mente has 5 centers to facilitate access to the center closest to our home.