Forgetting small things is normal, as we all have selective memory and retain what we consider important. However, when forgetfulness starts to draw our attention, it's necessary to seek medical help, as it may be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Also known as mild cognitive decline or mild cognitive disorder, this type of memory deficit should be understood as a discreet, non-dementia-related memory loss, the cause of which ranges from stress or poor sleep to the initial stages of Alzheimer's disease.
"Most people who experience minor memory lapses will not develop Alzheimer's dementia, but most of those who have Alzheimer's had some type of prior cognitive impairment," says Dr. Sergio Ricardo Hototian, psychiatrist at Hospital Sírio-Libanês and professor of Psychogeriatrics at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Santo Amaro (Unisa).
These can also lead to mild cognitive impairment:
Depression,
Anxiety,
Sleep disorders,
Metabolic syndromes,
Endocrine syndromes,
This syndrome usually manifests in people over 45 years of age, although it can appear before this age range.
How do I know if I have mild cognitive impairment?
According to Professor Hototian, it is necessary to pay attention to the possible consequences of memory loss.
Not leaving the house or doing some domestic activity, such as cooking, for fear of forgetting can be signs of mild cognitive impairment with depression or anxiety. Forgetting about a subject that you always mastered also deserves attention, as does forgetting to turn off the gas or the oven.
"Any type of forgetfulness that becomes more frequent than before deserves investigation," explains Dr. Hototian.
The diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment should be made by a doctor specializing in memory, such as a psychiatrist or neurologist. Standard assessment comprises a complete clinical examination, followed by specific tests, which include assessments of verbal fluency, visual memory and abstraction tests, among other tests aimed at measuring the patient's memory capacity.
Is there treatment for mild cognitive impairment?
There is currently no medication for mild cognitive impairment, but some interventions can help reduce this syndrome. The main one involves memory training, encouraging the patient to learn new things.
For those who are not used to reading, reading newspapers or magazines, for example, is recommended. For those who read frequently, the recommendation is to read books, with a comprehension level that is always above the usual. Learning a new language or playing a musical instrument are also considered excellent "remedies" against mild cognitive impairment.
Regular physical activity, sleeping seven to eight hours a day, avoiding alcohol and other drug abuse, not smoking, and combating obesity can also help prevent the problem.
