What is cognitive decline?

Officially known by medical professionals as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), cognitive decline is the stage between the expected loss of cognitive function associated with aging and the more serious decline of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. To put it more simply, MCI is the first step or symptom of the aging brain and its potential journey to dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment causes changes that are serious enough to be noticed by the person experiencing it and their friends or family, but it is not serious enough to impact the ability to function normally in day-to-day activities.

Not everyone who has cognitive decline will go on to develop dementia. In some cases, medication causes cognitive impairment and should not be technically diagnosed as cognitive impairment.

Emerging research shows that hearing loss may play a role in mild cognitive impairment. Be sure to treat your hearing loss as soon as it is diagnosed to ensure your brain continues to hear all that life has to offer.

It is important that people experiencing cognitive changes seek help as soon as possible for diagnosis and possible treatment. Learn more about mild cognitive impairment from our friends at the Alzheimer’s Association^®.