Old age is a natural and inevitable phase of human life. Today, with the improvement in health and social areas, the life span is prolonged and the rates of dementia (dementia) related to old age have started to increase. Mild cognitive disorder is a syndrome that is not clearly defined between age-related memory disorder and dementia (dementia). Includes situations that do not fully meet the diagnosis of dementia, which is beyond normal aging. Since the problems of forgetfulness and attention in mild cognitive impairment do not cause a significant deterioration in the daily life of the person, this part is often overlooked.
What are the General Symptoms?
- Forgetfulness is the main complaint and reason for application.
- Age, education, profession, etc. in evaluation. there is an abnormal deterioration according to the situations.
- There is a slight deterioration in memory. Light learning difficulties, attention problems, some forgetfulness problems. Other cognitive domains are preserved.
- Forgetfulness is also verifiable by others.
- Daily life activities are normal. There are no obvious distortions.
Depression and other psychological / psychiatric complaints may accompany.
- It does not meet dementia criteria.
What is the Most Important Diagnostic Tool?
- Clinical examination
- Neuropsychological test (It is applied by an expert psychologist trained in this field.)
There are many studies showing that mild cognitive impairment may be an early symptom of high Alzheimer's type dementia. Other types of dementia can also be seen. For this reason, Mild Cognitive Disorder can be a warning. With the neuropsychological test (forgetfulness test), dementia can be detected before being reflected in the imaging tests (such as MRI) and early diagnosis can be made. Mild Cognitive Disorder should be followed every 6-12 months with clinical and neuropsychological evaluation to determine whether it turns into dementia.
What Are the Benefits of Early Treatment?
It is known that the neurodegenerative process in the Mild Cognitive Disorder has begun in the brain but is not yet advanced enough to cause significant impairments in daily life. The treatment started at this stage, also known as the pre-dementia stage, is the stage where the most benefits are seen in the long term. For this reason, early diagnosis is of great importance.
What are the General Symptoms?
- Forgetfulness is the main complaint and reason for application.
- Age, education, profession, etc. in evaluation. there is an abnormal deterioration according to the situations.
- There is a slight deterioration in memory. Light learning difficulties, attention problems, some forgetfulness problems. Other cognitive domains are preserved.
- Forgetfulness is also verifiable by others.
- Daily life activities are normal. There are no obvious distortions.
Depression and other psychological / psychiatric complaints may accompany.
- It does not meet dementia criteria.
What is the Most Important Diagnostic Tool?
- Clinical examination
- Neuropsychological test (It is applied by an expert psychologist trained in this field.)
There are many studies showing that mild cognitive impairment may be an early symptom of high Alzheimer's type dementia. Other types of dementia can also be seen. For this reason, Mild Cognitive Disorder can be a warning. With the neuropsychological test (forgetfulness test), dementia can be detected before being reflected in the imaging tests (such as MRI) and early diagnosis can be made. Mild Cognitive Disorder should be followed every 6-12 months with clinical and neuropsychological evaluation to determine whether it turns into dementia.
What Are the Benefits of Early Treatment?
It is known that the neurodegenerative process in the Mild Cognitive Disorder has begun in the brain but is not yet advanced enough to cause significant impairments in daily life. The treatment started at this stage, also known as the pre-dementia stage, is the stage where the most benefits are seen in the long term. For this reason, early diagnosis is of great importance.