​​​Understanding Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

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It’s normal to forget things sometimes as we age, but some changes in memory and thinking can be signs of a medical condition. Two common conditions are mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Here’s what they mean and how they are different.

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What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

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- MCI means having more trouble with memory or thinking than most people your age, but you can still do your everyday activities like shopping, cooking, and managing money on your own.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

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- People with MCI may notice they forget appointments, lose track of conversations, or have trouble finding words, but these changes do not stop them from living independently.

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- MCI can affect memory (called “amnestic MCI”) or other thinking skills like language or attention (“non-amnestic MCI”).[3][5][6]

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- Some people with MCI get better, some stay the same, and some may develop dementia over time.[2][3][5][6][7]

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What is Dementia?

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- Dementia is a more serious condition. It means having problems with memory or thinking that are severe enough to make daily life difficult. People with dementia need help with activities like paying bills, taking medicine, or even dressing and bathing.[1][2][3][4][5]

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- Dementia can affect memory, language, attention, and other thinking skills. It is not a normal part of aging.

 

- Dementia usually gets worse over time.

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How are MCI and Dementia Diagnosed?

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- Doctors use questions, memory tests, and brain scans or blood tests to figure out what’s going on.[1][3][4][5][6][9]

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- The main difference is that MCI does not interfere with independence, while dementia does.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

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- Both conditions can be caused by different diseases, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause.[1][3][4][5][6]

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What Should You Do If You Notice Changes?

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- If you or someone you know is having trouble with memory or thinking, talk to a doctor. Early evaluation can help find treatable causes and plan for care.[4][9][10][11]

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- Sometimes, changes in memory are caused by things like medications, depression, or sleep problems, which can be improved.[4][9][10]

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Summary

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- MCI: Changes in memory or thinking, but still independent in daily life.

- Dementia: More severe changes that make daily life difficult and require help.

- Both conditions should be checked by a doctor, who can help figure out the cause and what to do next.

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If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a memory assessment, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to assisting you.

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References

1. A Primary Care Agenda for Brain Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Lazar RM, Howard VJ, Kernan WN, et al. Stroke. 2021;52(6):e295-e308. doi:10.1161/STR.0000000000000367.

2. Screening for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. Owens DK, Davidson KW, Krist AH, et al. Jama. 2020;323(8):757-763. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.0435.

3. Diagnosis and Management of Dementia: Review. Arvanitakis Z, Shah RC, Bennett DA. JAMA. 2019;322(16):1589-1599. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.4782.

4. A practical approach to evaluating cognition in primary care. Jaqueline Raetz MD, Barak Gaster MD. American Academy of Family Physicians (2025).

5. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Dementia: 2024 Update. Soderlund KA, Austin MJ, Ben-Haim S, et al. Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR. 2025;22(5S):S202-S233. doi:10.1016/j.jacr.2025.02.031.

6. Practice Guideline Update Summary: Mild Cognitive Impairment: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Petersen RC, Lopez O, Armstrong MJ, et al. Neurology. 2018;90(3):126-135. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000004826.

7. Evaluation of dementia and age-related cognitive change. Benjamin T. Mast, Andreana Benitez, Shellie-Anne Levy, et al. American Psychological Association (2021).

8. Psychological practice with older adults. Erin E. Emery-Tiburcio, Richard Zweig, Mark Brennan-Ing, et al. American Psychological Association (2024).

9. Early detection of alzheimer’s disease and related dementia: shared decision making guidance tool. American Academy of Family Physicians (2025).

10. Blood biomarkers and early detection of alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Deanna R. Willis MD MBA, Diana Summanwar MD, Jared R. Brosch MD. American Academy of Family Physicians (2025).

11. Communicating a Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia. O'Brien K, Largent EA, Karlawish J. JAMA. 2025;:2837138. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.13006.