Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Overview

It's common to forget things sometimes as we get older. But some older people have memory loss that's more than normal aging. It's called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. It is not the same as dementia.

People with the condition often know that their memory or mental function has changed. Tests may show some loss. But their minds work well overall. They can carry out daily tasks that are normal for them.

People with MCI have a higher chance of one day getting dementia. But not all people who have it will get dementia. Some people may stay the same over time.