Mild Cognitive Impairment

Treatment

Although no cure for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) exists, several medications as well as many non-medication approaches can potentially improve daily functioning and quality of life. Several clinical trials are in progress to determine if any medications will prevent or delay the rate of progression from MCI to dementia. One key to effective management is a coordinated approach to the treatment options.

Follow-up care is available at Mayo Clinic. Efforts are made to coordinate care with the patient's primary or local physicians.

Because mild cognitive impairment frequently progresses to Alzheimer's disease, some patients diagnosed with MCI are eligible to participate in the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). The Mayo ADRC is one of 29 Alzheimer's disease research centers in the United States to be designated and funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health.

Treatment Options

Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and take into account the needs of the patient and family, while providing state-of-the-art care and access to new developments and appropriate clinical trials.

Careful Monitoring

Patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment may be asked to return regularly, perhaps every six to 12 months. The medical team will closely monitor changes to the patient's writing, reading, language, reasoning and understanding. Significant declines in one or more of these areas may indicate the patient has progressed to Alzheimer's disease.

Medication

Clinical trials in patients with MCI are either ongoing or the results have not been finalized. Until the results are known, it is not possible to tell if the medications that have been tested are beneficial for patients with MCI.

Clinical Trials

Researchers are involved in testing drugs to determine if they can help delay the onset of Alzheimer's in people with mild cognitive impairment. Perhaps medication would allow people to live normal lives for a longer time. At Mayo Clinic, patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment may be asked to participate in research.

Education and Information

It is critical for patients with mild cognitive impairment and their families to be educated and informed about mild cognitive impairment and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

With mild cognitive impairment, signs and symptoms often associated with Alzheimer's — problems with language, critical thinking, reading and writing — are not present. People with mild cognitive impairment can function independently and stay active socially.

Mayo Clinic offers patients and their families, health care professionals and community members education and the most up-to-date information about mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's, including the risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and strategies for caregivers.

Education and information resources offered through Mayo Clinic include:

• The book, Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease. Read more.
• Other books, videotapes and a quarterly newsletter, "Coping"
• Facilitated support groups for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's and for caregivers
• An annual daylong conference for families and caregivers
• An annual education series, free and open to the public, on Alzheimer's and related dementia, presented by experts from Mayo Clinic and the Alzheimer's Association