Cardiovascular Health May Prevent Mild Cognitive Impairment
Maintaining good cardiovascular health may help prevent mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition marked by slight memory or thinking changes. However, definitive guidelines are yet to be established. MCI affects 10 to 20 percent of people over 65 and can lead to dementia in 60 to 65 percent of cases, depending on the cause.
MCI is diagnosed through a thorough medical evaluation, including a neurological exam, mental status tests, and brain imaging. It has two categories: amnestic MCI, affecting memory, and nonamnestic MCI, impacting thought processes. Special risk factors for MCI include vascular issues like hypertension, lifestyle habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol, hearing impairment, depression, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, social isolation, and lack of physical and cognitive activity. While no medications are approved for MCI, lifestyle changes may help slow or reverse its progression.
MCI, though measurable on cognitive tests, does not hinder daily routines or independent functioning. It is often caused by lesser brain damage found in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Maintaining good cardiovascular health may help prevent MCI, but further research is needed to establish definitive guidelines.
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