Signs of Aging or Lapses?

Most people suffer from a gradual decline in cognitive abilities as they get older, but some experience more severe changes in cognitive abilities with diseases such as alzheimer’s. Mild cognitive impairment is a condition that is between the changes classified as normal aging and the severe changes associated with dementia.

There are two subtypes of mild cognitive impairment – amnestic and nonamnestic.  Amenestic is the most common type, is associated with significant memory problems, and usually progresses to alzheimer’s disease within 5-10 years. Nonamnestic is the less common subtype and manifests as difficulty with things such as making decisions, multitasking, and navigating. Generally though, mild cognitive impairment in either form begins to interfere with daily life within about 7 years.

Decline in cognitive abilities from normal aging usually only includes “subtle forgetfulness, such as misplacing objects and having difficulty recalling words.” It is challenging, nonetheless, to distinguish mild cognitive impairment from the effects of normal aging. The testing process is a ruling out process where doctors do tests that would reveal other explanations for the impaired brain function if they were present.

Currently, there is no drug to treat mild cognitive impairment, but there are some approved medications off-label that physicians can prescibe. Regular physical exercise and cognitive rehabilitation exercises may be helpful as well.

Jane E. Brody, When Lapses Are Not Just Signs of Aging, The New York Times, Sept. 6, 2011.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (WealthCounsel) for bringing this article to my attention.