Mild Cognitive Impairment

Learn about the difference between normal aging and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Discover what causes it, how it is diagnosed and if there are treatments.

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Lesson Outline

As we age, some of our cognitive abilities gradually decline. We can’t remember quite as much when learning new information. We don’t process things quite as fast. Learning more complicated tasks becomes more difficult. However, we do continue to make lifelong memories, and even our vocabularies and wisdom may continue to improve into later life.

Aging vs. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

The changes associated with aging are subtle. Some degree of cognitive decline is normal and expected as we age. However, the changes associated with normal aging don’t impact a person’s ability to function independently.

Mild cognitive impairment or MCI, is diagnosed by a physician when people, their families, or friends notice that their memory and thinking skills have shown some signs of decline.

Learn the answers to the following questions:

What is MCI?
How is it different from normal aging and dementia?
What causes it, how is it diagnosed, and are there treatments?

Handouts

Lesson Resources

Download or view these useful lesson resources.

iGeriCare: Free, award-winning, online dementia education resource from McMaster University.
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10 Effective Memory Strategies PDF Download: Memory changes are often a part of normal aging. Download this PDF document with 10 tips from Sinai Health System can help to navigate everyday memory challenges.
View Resource
Promoting Brain Health: Discover the ways you can promote brain health and reduce your risk of developing dementia.
View Resource

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About this e-learning lesson

: This e-learning lesson was developed by Drs. Richard Sztramko (Geriatric Medicine specialist), Anthony J. Levinson (Psychiatrist), and the Division of e-Learning Innovation in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. If you have questions or comments related to this resource please contact us at info@healthhq.ca.
: This resource was first published on July 16, 2020, and was adapted from the "What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?" lesson on iGeriCare.ca. It was subsequently updated in 2022, and last reviewed in February 2023.
: The latest scientific evidence on this topic, including the Lancet Commission 2020 report on dementia prevention and the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2019 Guideline for Risk Reduction of Cognitive Decline and Dementia, were used to develop this learning resource. In the development of the WHO's guidelines, AMSTAR was used to assess the quality of existing systematic reviews and the GRADE methodology was used to develop the evidence profiles. We also drew on credible foundational sources such as the APA's DSM-5-TR, the American Academy of Neurology, and others.
: The content of this resource was reviewed and assessed for accuracy by Drs. Sztramko and Levinson, as well as our team of experts in geriatrics and mental health. There are no conflicts of interest. A panel of end-users reviewed the content and provided feedback on their user experience. It is based on high-quality research evidence, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
: The development of the e-learning lesson was initially funded by the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation, powered by Baycrest. Subsequent funding was through support from the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative at McMaster University. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Duration: 20 Minutes