What is Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly
Mild cognitive impairment in the elderly is a noticeable decline in memory, and thinking skills. People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, or other types of dementia.
MCI is not a condition that progressively worsens. It is possible for the effects of MCI to turn around for the better unlike Alzheimer's disease, or dementia. So how do you determine the difference between MCI, and other brain illnesses?
Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment
1) Amnestic MCI causes a person to forget important information, such as conversations, appointments, birthday parties, and other events.
2) Nonamnestic MCI affects an individuals ability to make decisions, judge time, sequence of process, completing tasks, and visual perception.
Diagnosing Mild Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly
Your doctor can diagnose Mild Cognitive Impairment by conducting an evaluation process through medical history, assessment of daily activities, assessment of functions, family input, mental status, mood, blood tests, and physical examination.
Treatments and Therapy
There are no prescription medications that treat Mild Cognitive Impairment. As a matter of fact, prescription medication and other over-the-counter medications have been linked to memory loss, and are not recommended if there are other options available.
The best treatments for Mild Cognitive Impairment are regular exercise, a healthy diet, participating in mentally stimulating activities, and control heart risk factors. Living a healthy lifestyle is the best way to naturally promote better health.
As an alternative or homeopathic approach, you may want to consider trying Coconut Oil for Memory Loss.
Adjusting to a healthier lifestyle
Nutrition – Consider ordering your food online. Certain companies, such as Magic Kitchen, offer ready meals that are prepared fresh, with senior nutrition in mind. Most of these meals can be prepared in the microwave promoting safer food preparation.
Exercise – Take walks, or partake in senior aerobics classes. Turn on some music, and dance in the privacy of your own home. Exercise promotes a healthy circulatory system.
Mind Stimulation – Participate in mind stimulating activities, such as playing cards, board games, puzzles, crossword puzzles, bingo, etc.
If you have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, you can make simple adjustments to your lifestyle to live a better quality life. You do not need to worry about preparing a grocery list, running to get the groceries, driving, putting the groceries away, choosing your meals, preparing your meals, or cooking your meals if you order ready meals for seniors online.
Exercise not only promotes physical health, but mental health as well. Exercising can assist in mood improvement. Exercise can be fun. For instance, you can exercise in your own home using virtual games with the Wii game system. These exercise games stimulate both the mind, and body. Staying mentally active can improve your MCI condition.