Mild Cognitive Impairment Symptoms vs. Normal Aging | myALZteam

Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About myALZteam
Powered By

Mild Cognitive Impairment Symptoms vs. Normal Aging

Medically reviewed by Jennifer Davis, Ph.D., ABPP-CN — Written by Amy Isler, RN
Updated on March 12, 2021

As we grow older, distinguishing between what is a sign of normal aging and what may be a sign of cognitive decline can be tricky. Our thinking ability normally peaks around age 30. As we age, we might notice a slowdown of our memory and our ability to focus, multitask, find the right word, or retain information.

We can probably all think of a time when it took longer to remember something, we forgot where we put our car keys, or we missed an important appointment. But when do these events cross the line from typical forgetfulness to mild cognitive impairment (MCI)?

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

MCI is characterized as a subtle but measurable decline in memory and thinking. Mild cognitive impairment can be hard to diagnose because it varies from person to person.

Cognitive changes associated with MCI may be noticed both by the person experiencing them and by their close friends and family members, but usually do not interfere with activities of daily living.

“People with mild cognitive impairment may have thinking changes, but they're still functioning,” explained Dr. Jennifer Davis, a clinical neuropsychologist at Brown University in Rhode Island. Dr. Davis specializes in Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

“Normally they're out and about. They're independent in the community, and others might not even notice that they have a problem,” Dr. Davis added.

MCI is considered a stage between normal aging decline and the early signs and symptoms of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates 15 percent to 20 percent of people aged 65 years and older have some symptoms of mild cognitive impairment. An MCI diagnosis can lead to Alzheimer’s disease in some cases, but it doesn’t always.

Mild Cognitive Impairment Types and Symptoms

There are two classified types of MCI: amnestic MCI and nonamnestic MCI. MCI can also be linked to medical conditions and emotional issues unrelated to Alzheimer’s.

Amnestic MCI

Amnestic is associated with the word “amnesia” and is linked to the inability to recall or learn information. This type of MCI primarily affects the ability to remember important information a person would normally recall. This can include forgetting appointments, conversations, or recent events.

Nonamnestic MCI

Nonamnestic MCI affects thinking and problem-solving. This can include problems with visual perception, the inability to make sound judgements, and difficulty remembering the sequence of steps required to finish a task.

MCI Caused by a Medical Condition

There are certain medical conditions and medications that can cause memory loss in individuals. Once the condition is treated, the memory loss symptoms may correct themselves. Medical conditions that impact memory may include:

  • Tumors or infections in the brain
  • Vascular impairments, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots, or high cholesterol
  • Thyroid, kidney, or liver disorders
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • A concussion from a head injury or fall
  • Side effects from medications
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin B12)

MCI Caused by Emotional Struggles

Many life changes can trigger stress and difficult emotions, like depression and anxiety. For example, losing a loved one, retiring, or moving to an unfamiliar house can be emotionally challenging. Sadness, loneliness, worry, or boredom can also cause memory loss symptoms.

If you or a family member experience any of these emotional problems and memory issues for longer than two weeks, and you think they may be interfering with your daily living, speak with your doctor or counselor.

The Normal Aging Brain

Our brain is the control center of our thinking, planning, organizing, problem-solving, and language abilities. Normal aging processes include subtle changes in attention control and the speed of thought.

As we get older, many physical changes occur in the brain that can cause changes to our cognitive ability.

  • The areas of the brain responsible for learning and complex mental activities get smaller as we age.
  • Nerve cell communication gets weaker and more ineffective.
  • Blood flow to the brain can decrease.
  • Inflammation may increase as the body responds to an injury or disease.

Despite the physical and cognitive changes in the brain as we grow older, we can still learn new tasks, form new memories, and add to vocabulary and language (which can actually improve with age). It is normal to need more time on a task or project, but the aging brain can still adapt to changes and challenges well into the older years.

Learn more about supporting your memory health.

Differences Between Mild Cognitive Impairment and Normal Aging

“It’s really hard for an individual to know [what’s] normal aging or MCI,” Dr. Davis said. “That’s why it’s really important that if you're seeing a pattern of changes … to seek out help. You really need someone with expertise … to evaluate your thinking as it compares to thousands and thousands of other people who don't have MCI.”

Below are some examples of the subtle differences in the symptoms of MCI and normal aging. If these symptoms resonate with you, it may be time to speak with a health care provider about your memory health.

Memory Problems

In people with MCI, or potential cognitive decline, memory is the ability that is most affected.

  • Normal aging — You missed one monthly payment.
  • Mild cognitive impairment — It is challenging to take care of monthly bills.

Impaired Thinking Skills

  • Normal aging — You lose things from time to time.
  • Mild cognitive impairment — You’re misplacing things often and not able to find them.

Language Difficulties

  • Normal aging — You sometimes forget which word to use.
  • Mild cognitive impairment — You have trouble having a conversation.

Disorientation in Time and Space

  • Normal aging — You forget which day it is, but remember later.
  • Mild cognitive impairment — You lose track of the date and the time of year.

Poor Judgment

  • Normal aging — You make a poor decision every once in a while.
  • Mild cognitive impairment — You make poor decisions a lot of the time.

You Are Not Alone: Finding Support for Mild Cognitive Impairment

By joining myALZteam, you gain a community of nearly 74,000 people impacted by mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

How has mild cognitive impairment affected your life? Are you struggling with memory loss symptoms? Is a loved one starting to show signs of cognitive decline? Share your experience in the comments below or on myALZteam.

Updated on March 12, 2021
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Become a Subscriber

Get the latest articles about Alzheimer's sent to your inbox.

Jennifer Davis, Ph.D., ABPP-CN is a clinical neuropsychologist specializing in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Learn more about her here.
Amy Isler, RN is a registered nurse with over six years of experience as a credentialed school nurse. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that causes worsening dementia and eventually leads t...

Alzheimer’s Disease – An Overview

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that causes worsening dementia and eventually leads t...
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and Alzh...

What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage between normal age-related cognitive decline and Alzh...
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) isn’t just ordinary forgetfulness. Mild cognitive impairment mea...

Tips for Improving Memory Health

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) isn’t just ordinary forgetfulness. Mild cognitive impairment mea...
Dementia is a collection of symptoms characterized by cognitive problems – deficits in thinking, ...

Types of Alzheimer’s

Dementia is a collection of symptoms characterized by cognitive problems – deficits in thinking, ...
Assessing the stage of Alzheimer’s helps anticipate disabilities and plan accordingly for care. P...

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Assessing the stage of Alzheimer’s helps anticipate disabilities and plan accordingly for care. P...

Recent articles

This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...

Self-Kindness When Struggling: 6-Minute Guided Meditation

This is a short guided meditation by Dr. Christiane Wolf on self-kindness, which gives you more s...
When people living with Alzheimer’s become angry and combative, their caregivers face new challen...

Alzheimer’s and Anger: 6 Ways To Manage Outbursts

When people living with Alzheimer’s become angry and combative, their caregivers face new challen...
Have you noticed your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease becoming agitated, pacing, repeating tas...

Alzheimer’s Agitation and Restlessness: Causes and Management

Have you noticed your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease becoming agitated, pacing, repeating tas...
Taking over financial responsibility from a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be among the most chal...

Managing Money for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s

Taking over financial responsibility from a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be among the most chal...
Sometimes people with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty eating. Not getting enough calories and...

Not Eating With Alzheimer’s: 6 Strategies To Help Someone Eat More

Sometimes people with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty eating. Not getting enough calories and...
Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be physically and emotionally demanding. “The...

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Burnout: 6 Self-Care Tips To Try

Taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be physically and emotionally demanding. “The...
myALZteam My Alzheimer's Team

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close
myALZteam
Add to your home screen
myALZteam Tap below and then 'Add to Home Screen'