What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

Today, Japan is facing a super-aging society, social interest in dementia is increasing.

There are various types of dementia, but mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is not well known.

MCI has memory impairments such as forgetting in dementia, but that symptoms can be light and they lives an independent life.

In Japan, one in four elderly people(over 65 yers old) is MCI.

The symptoms are missed because the person don't have knowledge, and if left untreated, the proportion of people who develop symptoms from MCI to dementia is 10% on average per year, and about 40% of people progress to dementia in five years.

Symptoms

describes the specific symptoms and signs of MCI.

★ You forget things more often. often.
★ You repeat the same question.
★ You feel increasingly overwhelmed by making decisions, planning steps to accomplish a task or understanding instructions.
★ You start to have trouble finding your way around familiar environments.
★ You often forget where you put it.

However, it's most likely that we cannot tell the difference between "age-related memoryloss" and "memory loss due to dementia."
If you or your family find such symptoms and signs now, It is recommended that you take a simple diagnostic test or accept clinical group specializing in forgetfulness.

The Importance of Early Detection

Even if it is diagnosed as mild cognitive impairment, the rate of development of dementia is different for each person.There is a possibility that the onset can be delayed by prevention and treatment.Studies suggest that the earlier the MCI prevention and treatments are, the higher the effect, and the recovery rate is 14% to 44%.

It is important to prevent the progression of symptoms by noticing MCI at an early stage.

Prevention

Mild cognitive impairment can't always be prevented. But research has found some environmental factors that may affect the risk of developing the condition. Studies show that these steps may help prevent cognitive impairment.

Improving diet

It is important to have a balanced diet. In particular, fish is said to be better than meat to prevent dementia.
In addition to consuming a lot of vegetables and fruits.

It is necessary to be careful because taking too much salt will cause high blood pressure.

Please refer to this page for dietary habits and foods to prevent dementia.

Eating habits and foods effective in preventing dementia

Move your body in exercise

Exercise improves blood circulation throughout the body and is expected to activate the brain.

Get enough sleep and live a regular life

It is effective to stay up in the morning and try to keep a regular hours of getting enough sleep at night.

Increase intellectual behavior

Activities that use fingertips such as writing, reading, games, handicrafts, etc. are effective because they can stimulate the brain.

Communication with people

Talking and going out with people is very important. It is also free from the boring life, and it gives a good stimulus to the brain.

How to prevent cognitive decline

In addition, it has been found that "intensive training of brain function" is an effective way to delay the onset of dementia.The first cognitive function to decline is episodic memory, attention division function, and ability to carry out plans.It is effective for lowering cognitive function by training its function.

Train "Episodic Memory" - Remember What You've Experienced

Episodic memory is remembering what you've experienced.For example, try keeping a diary that is two days late and three days late.Let's make it a habit to remember and record a few days later.

Pay attention appropriately when doing multiple things at the same time

As cognitive function declines, they are not good at doing a lot of things.For example, make two dishes at the same time.

Ability to think about arrangements and execute when doing new things　

When doing something new, it is also effective to think about arrangements to prevent dementia.For example, plan your trip, learn new dishes, start a hobby, and try something new.

Summary

If you can notice MCI, which is one step before dementia, it seems that it will still be effective in preventing it.By practicing these methods every day, it may be possible to prevent not only dementia but also becoming an MCI is understood that dementia and lifestyle are closely related, so it would be good if we could work on dementia prevention.