Increasing Mild Cognitive Impairment Awareness

Through the work of various organisation Dementia and Alzheimer’s is receiving more media coverage and a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia is increasing.  But what of MCI? Doesn’t there need to be a greater attention paid to the needs of MCI?

MCI is for most a life-changing condition and for some MCI patients it is the stage before the more serious diagnosis of dementia.  If identified early enough MCI the person affected can have the opportunity to prolong their working life and plan how their future will be.

MCI or its longer descriptive name – Mild Cognitive Impairment – is a set of symptoms rather than a specific medical condition or disease. There isn’t a definitive model for MCI but symptoms include:

·         problems with day-to-day memory

·         language

·         attention

·         visuospatial and

·         planning

In MCI the symptoms are usual subtle, and you may not notice them all but it there will be a noticeable change from your previous self. Problems are usually not severe enough to interfere with routine daily life, but at work they can pose a risk to performance, judgment and decision-making.

For me MCI was caused by a head trauma, however, it can also be linked to an increase in age or any of the following:

·         disturbance of sleep

·         depression

·         anxiety

·         stress

·         drug or alcohol abuse

·         medications in particular sedatives

·         thyroid problems

·         Head Trauma

In older people, MCI can often be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease and around 70% of people with MCI develop dementia. However, it is important to note that not everyone with MCI will deteriorate; many remain stable over time and a few improve and no longer have any problems. It just depends on your unique situation.

For me personally the impact of having MCI was that it affects my mood and social interactions which has a negative impact on myself confident and esteem.  There is also an impact of change on my ability to organise, plan and make safe decisions.  It did mean that I eventually had to give up work due to the negative impact it was having.

There are currently 7.7 million employees over the age of 50 in the UK, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. With the abolition of the default retirement age, this number is increasing every year. By 2020, people older than 50 will represent 48% of the adult population, and 32% of the working-age population, according to the Office for National Statistics. This ageing demographic, along with the behavioural and lifestyle factors that are thought to be the major drivers of many MCIs, gives great cause for concern; up until now, employers have not really got to grips with the practical implications. In terms of Sickness and Health and Safety this is costing the UK businesses £627 million a year.

MCI can’t really be prevented there are many factors that make-up the risk factor.  However, there is research that offers evidence that intervention that improve physical health can have a positive impact on cognitive health.

Making the old saying (I believe by Hippocrates) “what is good for the heart is good for the brain” relatively true.

So, to reduce the risk try the following:

·         Look after your heart pressure, monitor it make sure it remains healthy

·         Manage as best you can your mental health such as depression

·         Try to reduce the levels of stress in your life

·         Try to give up smoking – personally I’m really struggling to do this as smoking reduces my stress and anxiety levels

·         Reduce alcohol intake

·         Try eating a balance healthy diet

·         Exercise as regular as you can, even sitting down you can exercise

·         Try to ensure you have a good sleeping pattern

On a personal note try to remain socially active and stimulated it really can have a positive impact.

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