Mild cognitive impairment

Published: April, 2008

New technologies and drugs may improve diagnosis and management.

Mild cognitive impairment is about twice as common as dementia. Although reports of prevalence vary, one analysis of participants in a cardiovascular health study estimated that 19% of those ages 65 to 74, and 29% of those older than 85, had mild cognitive impairment. This diagnosis can be demoralizing, because it is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease.

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