Mild cognitive impairment

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) includes cognitive disorders in old age that affect short-term memory, comprehension and attention. It may be a permanent cognitive disorder in old age, but it may also be a precursor of subsequently developing dementia. Whether the term MCI should be used to describe a possible transition between 'forgetfulness of old age' and the first phase of dementia remains highly controversial in the literature.

Detailed background information on definition, clinical diagnosis, symptomatology, epidemiology and therapy are presented here:

Zaudig, M. (2011). „Leichte kognitive Beeinträchtigung“ im Alter. In H. Förstl (Eds.), Demenzen in Theorie und Praxis (pp. 25–56). Springer (3rd Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-19795-6

For an insight into the role of MCI in clinical practice, see e.g.:

Jongsiriyanyong, S., & Limpawattana, P. (2018). Mild cognitive impairment in clinical practice: A review article. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 33(8), 500–507. https://doi.org/10.1177/1533317518791401

Further information on this topic:

Portet, F., Ousset, P. J., Visser, P. J., Frisoni, G. B., Nobili, F., Scheltens, P., Vellas, B., & Touchon, J. (2006). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in medical practice: a critical review of the concept and new diagnostic procedure. Report of the MCI Working Group of the European Consortium on Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 77(1), 714–718. https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.2005.085332