Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects about 2 out of 10 people over the age of 64 per studies reported by Alzheimer’s Association. It’s a condition where memory issues reveal themselves, but not at strong enough levels to impact daily routines. Having MCI may progress into Alzheimer’s, but it doesn’t have to.
Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness where deterioration within the brain leads to serious issues. At first, forgetfulness and problems with time management may be the only signs you see, but it does worsen. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 5.1 million people in the United States could have Alzheimer’s. It’s one of the leading causes of death. Here are the differences you should know about MCI and Alzheimer’s.
Two Forms of MCI
There are two forms of MCI: Amnestic or Nonamnestic. People with amnestic MCI have a hard time remembering things like appointments and things, such as conversations, that have happened recently. Nonamnestic MCI impacts cognitive skills that help with decision making, such as managing time or following steps. As a result, it can take much longer for someone with nonamnestic MCI to complete a task or solve a problem. Most daily routines, however, will not be impacted.
The Difference With Alzheimer’s
While MCI impacts a few things and may remain stable for years or decades, Alzheimer’s continues to worsen. It may start with things like forgetting where glasses were left or not being able to come up with a word, but it gets worse. Eventually, someone with Alzheimer’s will start ignoring personal care, such as wearing the same outfit, not going for haircuts, or forgetting to shower. In the latter stages, walking skills and being able to swallow all become a problem.
Ruling Out Alzheimer’s
As forgetting conversations and upcoming appointments and decision making skills are also symptoms of Alzheimer’s, it’s up to a medical professional to tell which condition is present. In most cases, scans of the brain are used to help with the diagnosis. Twice a year, a screening to see if MCI has progressed into Alzheimer’s is recommended.
What Happens if it is Alzheimer’s
Talk to your parent’s doctor about getting a referral to a memory care clinic. In the early stages, your parent will easily live at home alone. As the disease progresses, call a home care service about offering help. A home care service can handle things like housework and laundry, as well as companionship and around-the-clock care to prevent your parent from wandering off late at night.
If you or a family member are in need of home care in Coral Springs FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.
Sources:
http://www.alz.org/dementia/mild-cognitive-impairment-mci.asp
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