Mild cognitive impairment is common

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that mild cognitive impairment increases with age and fewer years of education.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can often precede dementia. It is marked by problems with language (forgetting words), memory and decision making. It can be hard to detect in its milder forms although those living with the person are often only too aware of it.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic surveyed nearly 4,000 people in Olmsted County and found that 12 per cent had MCI in the 70 to 89 year age group. Around 18 per cent of those over 80 were affected. The prevalence also increased with fewer years of education. While 8.5 per cent of those with more than 16 years education were affected, the figure rose to 25 per cent with eight or fewer years education. The researchers hope to uncover factors that might protect from MCI. They could also look at ways of stopping MCI actually progressing to dementia.

Source
American Academy of Neurology meeting 4th April 2006

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