Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to a perceivable decrease in thought processes, primarily memory, in individuals who are otherwise able to function in everyday activities. Persons with MCI can have difficulty remembering the names of people, performing calculations, navigating in a mall parking lot, and keeping track of common objects. Various levels of self-awareness of these handicaps may exist, and complex systems of compensation can be constructed.MCI can effect a persons ability to work, to function independently, and perform activities of daily living (ADL), particularly if the loss progresses.

The diagnosis of MCI relies on the fact that the individual is able to perform all their usual activities successfully, without more assistance from others than they previously needed. In this regard, MCI is different from dementia, where memory loss has progressed to such a point that normal independent function is impossible and the individual can no longer successfully manage their finances or provide for their own basic needs.Most (but not all) patients with MCI develop a progressive decline in their thinking abilities over time, and dementias are often the underlying cause. Occasionally, a patient may experience MCI as a result of toxin exposure in the workplace, trauma, or prescription medication. This can lead to a claim for damages, and the presence, degree, and prognosis of the MCI can then become an important component of the litigation development.

Measurements of Cognitive Impairment

            There are a number of reasons why one needs to measure the degree of cognitive imparment. These include quantifying the current state, documenting the degree of ongoing loss, demonstrating the degree of physical or mental impairment, developing a treatment plan and giving a prognosis. Three principle areas of documentation in the workup of MCI are a thorough neuropsychiatric interview, written testing, functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS).