Mild cognitive impairment: evaluation and prospects

Abstract

Comments on an article "Aging, memory, and mild cognitive impairment," by Petersen et al (1997). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical condition identified by Petersen et al. in 1997. It is based on the presence of a subjective memory complaint, preserved general intellectual function, memory impairment assessed by cognitive testing, intact ability to perform daily living activities and absence of dementia. This condition, which appears with normal aging and before the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD), is important because of its consequences. The initial concept of MCI that was established in 1997 by Petersen et al needs to be modified in order to define a category of subjects with a high risk of developing dementia and particularly AD. Thus, additional criteria, such as neurological signs, psychiatric symptoms, specific potential biomarkers and imaging, should be proposed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)