Mild Cognitive Impairment

Memory loss has long been recognized as an inevitable part of aging. Everyone experiences a "senior moment" — the inability to recall the name of an acquaintance or the items on a shopping list. With age, these memory lapses become more common.

But a sharp decline in short-term memory could be more than normal "forgetfulness." It could be a symptom of a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). People with MCI tend to retain critical thinking and reasoning skills but experience a significant short-term memory loss. They may experience trouble remembering the names of people they meet or the flow of a conversation. They also may have an increased tendency to misplace things. They may rely more on a calendar, notes and lists but still manage their daily activities.

Doctors believe that mild cognitive impairment may be a signal of a more serious disease on the horizon. The condition has been associated with a higher-than-normal risk of developing dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. But not all MCI patients develop dementia.

You may need a referral from your primary care doctor. Please check with your medical benefits or health insurance representative.

See books recommended by the UCSF Memory and Aging Center.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 8, 2008