They haven't been found to affect progression to dementia, and they can cause side effects.

However, cholinesterase inhibitors aren't recommended for routine treatment of MCI. The Alzheimer's medicine called cholinesterase inhibitors is sometimes given to people with MCI whose main symptom is memory loss. Clinical studies are being conducted to better understand the disorder and find treatments that may improve symptoms or prevent or delay dementia. Mild cognitive impairment is an active area of research. These tests also may help identify patterns of change that offer clues about the cause of symptoms. Longer forms of tests can provide details about how someone's mental function compares with others of a similar age and education. The test will ask to name the date and follow written instructions. Short forms of mental status testing can be done in about 10 minutes. Brain imagingĪn MRI or CT scan can check for a brain tumor, stroke or bleeding. This can include not enough vitamin B-12 or thyroid hormone. These tests can help detect signs of Parkinson's disease, strokes, tumors or other medical conditions that can impair memory and physical function.īlood tests can help rule out physical problems that may affect memory. The problems aren't severe enough to be diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease dementia or another type of dementia.Īs part of a physical exam, a health care provider may perform some basic tests that can reveal how well the brain and nervous system are working. The tests also may reveal the types of memory most affected and whether other mental skills also are impaired. More detailed testing may help determine the degree memory is impaired. Health care providers often use a brief test such as the Short Test of Mental Status, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) or the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Mental status testing shows mild level of impairment for age and education level.

Although symptoms may cause worry, people with MCI are still able to live their lives as usual. The change is confirmed by a family member or a close friend. This is revealed with a careful medical history.

Mental function that declines over time.

A provider may confirm these issues with a family member or a close friend. People with MCI may have problems with memory, planning, following instructions or making decisions.

Problems with memory or another mental function.

Moca test and mmse dementia