Dementia
Introduction to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Mild Cognitive impairment
= intermediate stage of cognitive impairment that is often, but not always, a transitional phase from cognitive changes in normal ageing to those typically found in dementia” (Petersen et al., 2014, p. 214).
- Cognitive decline associated with MCI does not interfere with independence in everyday activities
- Consistent with the diagnostic category, mild neurocognitive disorder (mild NCD), as defined in the DSM-5
* Early diagnosis of MCI is important because those with this condition do have a significantly increased risk of dementia compared with the rest of the population. MCI patients should be followed every 6-9 months and possibly referred for neuropsychological testing.
* Speech Therapists DOSE NOT diagnose MCI
References:
Petersen, R. C., Caracciolo, B., Brayne, C., Gauthier, S., Jelic, V., & Fratiglioni, L. (2014). Mild cognitive impairment: a concept in evolution. Journal of internal medicine, 275(3), 214–228. https://doi.org/10.1111/joim.12190
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.)