mild cognitive impairment
Cognitive decline greater than expected for age but not severe enough to significantly interfere with daily functioning.
Full Definition
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage between normal age-related cognitive changes and dementia. Individuals with MCI experience cognitive decline that is noticeable to themselves and others but does not significantly impair their ability to perform activities of daily living independently. MCI can affect various cognitive domains including memory, language, executive function, or visuospatial skills. While some people with MCI remain stable or even improve, others progress to dementia at a rate of approximately 10-15% per year. Early identification of MCI allows for intervention strategies that may delay progression to dementia.
Usage
Usage note: Use lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Can be abbreviated as MCI after first use.
In Context
- "The patient met criteria for mild cognitive impairment with primary memory complaints." — Diagnostic evaluation report
- "Cognitive rehabilitation strategies were implemented for mild cognitive impairment management." — Treatment plan documentation