Not everyone with MCI goes on to develop dementia. However, since early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can help caregivers make better long-term plans and possibly delay the progression of symptoms, it's smart to take action when you first suspect a memory problem or notice behavioral changes in an older adult.
Some possible signs of MCI:
- The person begins forgetting appointments or regularly scheduled events (Sunday dinner with you, a weekly club meeting)
- She increasingly repeats questions or stories
- She starts asking you more questions about managing finances (a cognitively challenging task)
- She occasionally forgets to take medications
- Although still capable, she shows less interest in cooking (it's just getting too complicated)
All of these are subtle changes that may or may not be warning signs, but they present reasonable red flags that warrant a medical exam. (Basic, well-rehearsed daily tasks like bathing and grooming tend to be less affected. By the time you notice problems in this area, actual dementia is more likely.)
How do I convince someone to get checked for MCI?
Try a straightforward approach: "Mom, have you noticed having trouble remembering things recently? It seems like you've been forgetting to do things lately. There are a lot of different reasons memory can be affected, so why don't you mention this to your doctor so he can see if there's anything you can do about it. It might be nothing, but then again there might be a simple explanation or remedy."
If you already accompany the person to medical appointments, mention what you've noticed to her doctor, and ask if she can be screened for MCI.
Be sure that she gets a complete medical workup. Simply mentioning memory loss to a physician and walking out of the appointment with a prescription for Aricept isn't good medicine in action. A proper exam should involve an extensive interview, memory tests, and lab tests to rule out other ailments. It's ideal if you, the person's spouse, or a sibling is at the exam to provide input, as she may not be fully aware of changes.
