Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment were under scrutiny, commonly referred to as early signs of Dementia.
Mild neurocognitive disorder, a formal diagnosis under neurocognitive disorders in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), is a condition that affects cognitive functions, such as memory, learning, and decision-making.
This condition is not dementia or Alzheimer's disease, but it represents a "middle ground" where cognitive decline is visible but hasn't yet progressed into an impairing condition. It can affect anyone, of any age, and may cause you to invest more effort in time doing everyday activities that felt easier before.
Symptoms of mild neurocognitive disorder may include forgetfulness, difficulty recalling, retaining, or learning new information, inability to make sound judgments, behavior changes, confusion, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, changes in visual perception, and conversation or language challenges.
Difficulty recalling, retaining, or learning new information might mean reading an article and being unable to recall details a few minutes later. Forgetfulness doesn't always mean memory loss and can be momentary. On the other hand, inability to make sound judgments doesn't mean you can't make decisions, but it may mean you may not always consider all alternatives.
Mild neurocognitive disorder can impact areas of the brain related to communication, leading to conversation or language challenges. Behavioral changes can present in many ways, such as inclination toward impulsive behavior or becoming withdrawn or more irritable.
The underlying origin of mild neurocognitive disorder may include neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, vascular changes, or secondary causes like metabolic, toxic, structural brain damage, infections, or vitamin deficiencies. About 10% of dementia syndromes have a treatable and reversible cause.
A health professional can diagnose mild neurocognitive disorder by looking for evidence of decline or impairment in focus and attention, decision-making and planning, learning and memory, language, perception and movement, and social interaction.
It's important to note that currently, there are no medications approved by the FDA for treatment of mild neurocognitive disorder. However, living an active lifestyle may help slow down cognitive decline signs. Mild neurocognitive disorder can cause anxiety as you become aware of cognitive function decline.
If you suspect you or someone you know might be experiencing symptoms of mild neurocognitive disorder, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and guidance on how to manage the condition.
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