Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience a decline in one or more cognitive functions, including memory, language, and attention span, which can affect daily life.

Common symptoms observed in those with mild cognitive impairment include:

Forgetfulness: This often involves regularly forgetting recent events, such as conversations, where an item was placed, needing to re-ask for information just received, or missing medication doses.

Lack of concentration: Patients may find it difficult to follow a long conversation, a meeting, a movie, or a book. They are easily distracted when multitasking, such as listening while taking notes, or being affected by ambient noise.

Language impairment: Individuals frequently struggle for words when speaking, knowing what they want to say but unable to recall the exact word or expression. Speech may become slower, they might stutter, repeat ideas, or ask the person they are speaking with to repeat themselves.

Impaired executive function: Patients may frequently get lost, even in familiar areas or near home. They may exhibit poor situational judgment and encounter difficulties when planning or making decisions.

A doctor advises a patient with mild cognitive impairment. Illustration: Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic

Mild cognitive impairment can increase the risk of accidents and errors, leading to serious consequences in situations demanding high memory recall, concentration, or quick reactions. Examples include driving, operating industrial machinery, using electrical equipment, or forgetting to take medication for chronic diseases.

If left untreated, mild cognitive impairment often progresses to dementia within one or two years, significantly impacting an individual's ability to live independently and their overall quality of life.

Patients with dementia may completely lose memory of family members, frequently get lost, no longer manage money, and lose basic daily living skills such as cooking, shopping, personal hygiene, or changing clothes, becoming reliant on caregivers.

Given your diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, it is crucial to adhere to the treatment regimen prescribed by doctors at a specialized hospital. Additionally, regular exercise, a healthy diet low in fat, rich in vegetables and fruits, and omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for the brain are recommended. Increasing social interaction instead of self-isolating, engaging in memory training, and maintaining positive thinking can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Doctor Nguyen Duy Hien

Head of Neurology - Stroke Department

Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic