As people age, our thinking, memory, judgment, and language skills can change. While age-related changes are normal, people who experience greater issues may have mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Symptoms of MCI
The signs of MCI go beyond typical aging but don’t rise to the severity of those associated with dementia. If a loved one is experiencing MCI, you may notice a difference, but the changes don’t interfere with his or her usual activities and daily life.
Common signs of MCI include forgetfulness, losing a train of thought, feeling overwhelmed when making plans or decisions, difficulty navigating familiar environments, poor judgment, or an increase in impulsivity. People with MCI may also experience apathy, depression, anxiety, aggression, or irritability.
Causes of MCI
MCI is often triggered by the same brain changes observed in patients with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Brain imaging may show an expansion of the fluid-filled spaces in the brain, shrinkage in the part of the brain that supports memory, and a reduction of glucose use in significant portions of the brain.
Simply getting older is the greatest risk factor for developing MCI in NJ, but people who smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure or cholesterol, or suffer from depression are more likely to experience cognitive changes. Other risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, and a low level of regular social interaction.
To learn more about the symptoms and causes of MCI in NJ, contact The Regency Memory Care Club today.
