Many people mistakenly believe memory loss is a normal part of aging, but that’s a myth. Nearly one in seven adults over the age of 65 are living with mild memory loss or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which puts them at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
MCI is a cognitive state that is between normal aging and early Alzheimer’s disease. MCI typically affects memory, language, thinking, and judgment in ways that are serious enough to be noticed by the person experiencing them and by family members and friends who see them every day.
If you or someone you love is forgetting names, appointments, or social engagements more often, or becoming increasingly overwhelmed when making decisions, following instructions, or planning a project, it may be time to be evaluated for MCI.