Early Signs of Dementia: Identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment and Taking Action for Prevention

In his newly released book, "How To Prevent Dementia," neurologist and author Dr. Restak delves into lesser-known signs of dementia and offers insights into ways of delaying its onset.

Dr. Restak points out that, in most cases, identifying an onset event for dementia is challenging. Despite this, he emphasizes that the disease process begins long before symptoms become apparent. He notes that all cases are marked by an uncertain starting point called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

MCI, however, is not always a direct sign of dementia, according to Dr. Restak. He states, “MCI may or may not be the initial starting point for Alzheimer’s disease; only the passage of time can permit that determination.” Individuals with MCI may still function relatively normally, displaying only slight symptoms initially.

While MCI may not always lead to Alzheimer’s, it often precedes the disease. Dr. Restak highlights the importance of monitoring subtle changes, emphasizing that even the "barely noticeable" alterations can be crucial.

Detecting early signs of MCI might require a keen eye, as it involves a mild decline in thinking within an overall acceptable functional setting. Dr. Restak provides an example related to grocery shopping. He mentions that a person with MCI can still go to the supermarket but may need to write down a grocery list and could struggle to remember the aisle where a specific item is located.

Observing slight declines in previous proficiencies is key. For instance, a businessman experiencing MCI might suddenly find the need to take notes in meetings and become more forgetful and irritable.

Dr. Restak stresses that MCI affects a percentage of the population within specific age ranges. He shares that approximately 8% of individuals aged 65–69, 10% in the 70–74 range, and 15% of those aged 75–79 experience MCI. Over a third of people aged 85 and older are affected by MCI. However, it's crucial to note that MCI does not always indicate dementia.

As a proactive measure, individuals suspecting dementia in themselves or a loved one are encouraged to visit their GP as soon as possible. The NHS recommends seeking a diagnosis to prepare for the future, as timely treatment and support from healthcare professionals, family, and friends can significantly contribute to leading active and fulfilling lives with dementia.

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