Hitting the brakes on MCI

As we age, it's normal for some brain function to slow down. Examples include word recall, recent memories, problem solving, and mental quickness. A diagnosis of MCI means cognitive function has declined faster than usual, but the decline is not severe enough to be classified as dementia. You might have cognitive decline if your friends and family are commenting on your inability to complete tasks that were once routine and if tests reveal memory impairment. MCI does not always lead to dementia, but studies show that about 38% of patients eventually do develop it.

MCI shows up differently in different people, but common symptoms include losing things, forgetting conversations, getting lost, impulsivity and difficulty finding words, and managing medicine.

There is no single test to evaluate dementia, but doctors rely on a variety of screening tools. Each of these methods involves a series of questions to determine the probable cause of the symptoms expressed by patients and their care partners.

For patients with a primary physician, there is a general practitioner assessment that can be completed in their office. Or, physicians can refer their patients to Georgia Memory Net for evaluation and personalized care plans.

Cognitive testing typically measures awareness, short and long-term memory, language and communication skills, problem solving, simple math, visuospatial skills, concentration and the ability to follow directions.

The experience of being a care partner for someone with MCI differs depending on the prior relationship. For example, adult children who find themselves as caregivers may experience role reversal, are sometimes referred to as the the "sandwich generation"—meaning they are caring for both their children and aging parents simultaneously. Spouses of MCI sufferers have to adjust their relationship and aspects of their day-to-day routine.

The Family Caregiver Alliance is a great resource for MCI patients and their care partners. LotsaHelpingHands is a website that assists with creating a support team and implementing tools that keep your care on track.

As a care partner, it's important to learn all you can about living with cognitive impairment, implementing lifestyle interventions to slow cognitive decline, planning for the future and practicing self-care to protect your mental and physical well-being.

Georgia Memory Net, with locations throughout the state, is a great resource for Georgians.

Adopting certain habits can make a difference

There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat MCI. However, reasearch suggests that actively keeping your brain and body as healthy as possible, and learning to cope with challenges, can enhance quality of life and hopefully help delay cognitive decline. 

Here are some suggestions:

• Regular exercise. Just walking for 30 minutes daily offers great benefits. Resources like Silver Sneakers provide other ideas, such as water aerobics and weight training. Be sure to drink plenty of water as dehydration can affect your cognitive ability.
• A heart-healthy diet. There's evidence that the Mediterranean diet shows benefits for brain health.
• Sleep habits. Sleep deprivation can have a negative effect on your ability to focus, learn and form memories. Get at least 7 hours of sleep, keep a consistent sleep schedule—and turn off those electronic devices 30 minutes before bedtime. Other tips for better sleep (sometimes called "sleep hygiene") can be found at sleepassociation.org.
• Stress Reduction. Like poor sleep habits, too much stress may affect cognitive functions. To deal with stress, it's important to identify it. Keep in mind that stress can present itself beyond the common symptoms of worry, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. Some of the other warning signs include anger, irritability, frustration, social withdrawal, depression and sleeplessness. Here are some ideas for decreasing and coping with stress from the "Live Well" section of the Alzheimer's Association's website:
  • Talk with a trusted family member or friend about how you're feeling.
  • Change your environment. For example, if you are in an environment that is causing you stress, find a quiet place where you can relax and regroup.
  • Establish boundaries and let others know your limits. What are you willing to tolerate and what are you not? Be as open as possible about this with others.
  • Take breaks and conserve energy. Learn what works best to relax you, and use these techniques regularly when feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Some examples are: meditation; exercising/walking; journaling, and gardening.
  • Let it go. If something becomes too difficult for you, come back to it later.
• Social Engagement. Research indicates that people who stay connected with others and participate in social activities tend to live longer, be healthier, experience less depression and have higher self-esteem. There is also research that has shown socializing is good for your brain health. There are many ways to do this:
  • Join a "hobby" club—like a gardening, photography or book club.
  • Go on a guided tour at a museum with a friend.
  • Volunteer
  • If you're 55 or older, join your local senior center—they have great exercise programs, group outings and classes.
  • Play a sport with others, like golf, bowling or tennis.
  • Take a class.
  • Use Facetime or Skype to chat with friends and family.
  • Play cards or board games with others.

We designed our nature-inspired facility to study therapies contributing to better brain health. Here, you can attend classes on nutrition, exercise, and art, get comfortable with adaptive technology, and engage with other members who are sharing your MCI journey. Our lab, featuring "evidence-based design," incorporates the latest in lighting, sound and technology to help participants.