Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia, or Mild or Major Neurocognitive Disorder and Neuropsychological Testing
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, or mild or major neurocognitive disorder are conditions characterized by a decline in cognitive function, impacting memory, thinking, other cognitive skills, and daily activities. MCI or mild neurocognitive disorder often serves as an intermediate stage between normal aging and more severe cognitive decline, while dementia or major neurocognitive disorder represents a more advanced and debilitating condition.
How Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia, or Mild or Major Neurocognitive Disorder Affects Cognitive Functioning:
- Difficulty with memory, including important and recent life events
- Difficulty with language, including word-finding challenges, trouble remembering the names of close family and friends, and talking in circles
- Difficulty with orientation or knowing the year, season, month, day of the week, and time of day
- Difficulty with attention/concentration, processing speed, fine motor/handwriting, etc. Trouble managing driving, bills, cooking, cleaning, appointments, and additional self- care
- Sadness or low mood, fatigue, irritability, personality changes, not participating in activities once enjoyed (e.g., family time, the gym, taking walks)
What Our Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Dementia, or Mild or Major Neurocognitive Disorder Testing May Include:
- Memory and Learning: Tests to measure recall of information and ability to learn new material
- Attention and Concentration: Evaluations to assess focus and the ability to sustain mental effort
- Processing Speed: Timed tests to measure how quickly you can process information Executive Functioning: Tests that assess planning, reasoning, task switching (sometimes interpreted as multitasking), and problem-solving skills
- Fine-Motor or Handwriting: Tests to assess motor speed or motor control skills Emotional and Psychological Screening: Assessments to understand the emotional effects of changes in thinking and coping abilities
- Independence in Everyday Activities: Discussion with the client and/or a close family member or friend about the one’s need for help in managing everyday activities such as driving, bills, cooking, cleaning, appointments, and additional self-care