5 Reasons to Seek an Early Diagnosis for Mild Cognitive Impairment

If you’ve ever hesitated to get an evaluation for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a common precursor to Alzheimer’s disease, you aren’t alone. Some people simply don’t want to hear bad news. Others (incorrectly) assume there’s nothing that can be done to slow the progression of the disease.

The sooner you talk to your doctor about memory changes, the better. “An earlier diagnosis improves access to treatment, which can help slow the disease course,” says Mohamed Elkasaby, MD, a neurologist at University Hospitals in Cleveland. Seeking an earlier diagnosis also allows you to assemble a care team and start healthy lifestyle habits to stay comfortable and independent for as long as possible.

1. You Can Get the Right Care Team in Place

• A primary care physician, who will likely be your main point of care
• A neurologist, who specializes in brain and nervous system conditions
• A counselor or therapist, who can help with problem-solving
• Loved ones, such as trusted family members or friends

2. You Can Access Treatment Sooner

• Medications that help address memory, thinking, behavioral, or psychological symptoms
• Medications that help slow the progression of the disease

The two medication types can also be combined, says Elkasaby. “We tailor the treatment plan based on the individual person, their symptoms, and the stage of their disease.”

Many of the symptom-specific medications (such as those for anxiety, depression, or sleep issues) have been available for decades. The second class of drugs — disease-modifying therapies — are newer to the mild cognitive impairment treatment landscape, says Elkasaby. They work by lowering levels of beta-amyloid, a protein in the brain that can build up into plaques that are believed to contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

The medications are also starting to be available to more people, sooner. “With the use of [advanced screening tests], we have started to diagnose MCI early and with high accuracy, which helps improve access to the disease-modifying treatments,” says Elkasaby.

3. You Can Make Lifestyle Changes That Have a Lasting Impact

Along with mediations, lifestyle changes can also be an important part of a mild cognitive impairment treatment plan, says Elkasaby. Here are some healthy habits you can adopt today for future benefits.

• Exercise regularly. Research shows staying active can help slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life in people with mild cognitive impairment.

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• Adopt a healthy diet. An eating pattern called the MIND diet, which merges features of both a Mediterranean diet and DASH diet, is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline or impairment. Focus on eating beans, berries, fish, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and whole grains; limit cheese, fatty or processed foods, red meat, and sweets.

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• Limit alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of dementia, but some studies have found moderate alcohol intake may offer protective brain benefits. If you enjoy alcohol, talk to your doctor about whether you should cut back.

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• Quit smoking. Being smoke free may offer protective benefits when it comes to cognitive function.

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   If you currently smoke and want help quitting, talk to your doctor about smoking cessation aids.
• Stay social. Memory and mood issues can cause you to withdraw, but it’s important to engage with other people, says Elkasaby. Plus, research shows staying connected to others can help lower your risk of developing dementia.

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• Engage your brain. While findings are mixed,

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   some experts stress the importance of staying mentally active. Elkasaby, for example, recommends reading and doing games to help keep your brain sharp.

4. You Have More Time to Plan for the Future

• Set up a medical and financial power of attorney.
• Complete an advance healthcare directive or living will.
• Make a plan to address key aspects of independence, such as driving and living arrangements.

5. You May Have Access to Clinical Trials

“We encourage you to get involved, because this helps researchers understand more about the nature of the disease and helps us develop new treatments,” he says.

The Takeaway

• An early diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment leads to more effective treatment, support, and care planning at a stage when the interventions are most effective.
• Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, building a care team, and starting treatment can help you manage symptoms and potentially slow cognitive decline.
• Getting an earlier mild cognitive impairment diagnosis gives you more time to plan for the future and participate in research that may advance treatments.