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Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. Dementia
Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. Dementia
What Is MCI?
Mild cognitive impairment is a middle stage between normal ageing and dementia. While it is a helpful concept, MCI can be hard to define and diagnose.1
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a specific medical condition characterised by symptoms such as difficulty remembering, thinking, or making decisions, which can significantly impact one’s daily life. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. While dementia mostly affects older people, it is not a normal part of getting older.2
The table below highlights the key differences between MCI and dementia. 3
Prevalence of MCI and Dementia in Singapore
As Singapore’s population ages, the challenge of dementia is growing. The number of residents aged 65 years and older went up from 9% in 2010 to 14.4% in 2019 and is expected to reach about 19% by 2030. This increase shows how important it is to focus on cognitive health in older adults.4
Types of Dementia
There are several types of dementia, each with distinct characteristics. Here are some common ones: 5
Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
Risk Factors Associated With MCI and Dementia
Diagnosis and Evaluation of Dementia and MCI
Consider a dementia evaluation if you (or a loved one) have memory issues, if a doctor suspects cognitive impairment, or if there is a family history of dementia and important decisions need to be made.9
For a person with forgetfulness or confusion, the doctor would use a four-step assessment to evaluate the cognitive complaint, as shown below:9
- Irreversible causes
- Reversible causes
Coping Strategies and Support for Patients and Families
References
1. Petersen RC. Mild cognitive impairment. Continuum (Minneap Minn).
2016;22:404–418.
2. What Is dementia? | CDC. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html. Accessed on: 18 July 2024.
3. Knopman DS, Petersen RC. Mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia: A clinical perspective. Mayo Clin Proc. 2014;89:1452–1459.
4. Teh WL, Abdin E, Vaingankar JA, et al. Prevalence, lifestyle correlates, and psychosocial functioning among multi-ethnic older adults with mild cognitive impairment in Singapore: Preliminary findings from a 10/66 population study. Yale J Biol Med. 2021;94:73–83.
5. Understanding different types of dementia. National Institute on Aging. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/understanding-different-types-dementia. Accessed on: 18 July 2024.
6. Anand S, Schoo C. Mild cognitive impairment. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599514/. Accessed on: 18 July 2024.
7. Ganguli M, Fu B, Snitz BE, et al. Mild cognitive impairment: Incidence and vascular risk factors in a population-based cohort. Neurology. 2013;80:2112–2120.
8. Sachdev PS, Lipnicki DM, Crawford J, et al. Risk profiles for mild cognitive impairment vary by age and sex: The Sydney Memory and Ageing study. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2012;20:854–865.
9. Making the diagnosis of dementia.pdf. Available at: https://www.cfps.org.sg/publications/the-singapore-family-physician/article/372_pdf. Accessed on: 18 July 2024.
10. Hugo J, Ganguli M. Dementia and cognitive impairment: Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Clin Geriatr Med. 2014;30:421–442.
11. Ministry of Health Singapore. Dementia. MOH Clinical Practice Guidelines 1/2013. Available at: https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider4/guidelines/dementia-10-jul-2013—booklet.pdf. Accessed on: 18 July 2024.
12. Understanding and supporting a person with dementia | Alzheimer’s Society. Available at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/understanding-supporting-person-dementia. Accessed on: 18 July 2024.
13. Caregiver Support Services – Dementia Singapore. Available at: https://dementia.org.sg/css/. Accessed on: 18 July 2024.
14. Day Care Centres (Senior & Dementia). Care Corner Singapore l. Available at: https://www.carecorner.org.sg/services/day-care-centres-senior-dementia/. Accessed on: 29 July 2024.
