Cautious notification and continual monitoring of patients with mild cognitive impairment

Abstract

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as 'a condition between a normal state and dementia indicated by a cognitive decline in comparison to previous results'. MCI groups as a whole are not necessarily in the prodromal stage of dementia. However, when patients are notified of their condition, communication must be cautious and account for the patient's personality, mental status, and examination findings. Hurriedly notifying patients may give the incorrect impression that they will certainly have dementia in the future and cause worry or emotional tension. The efficacy of pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy, such as cognitive function training, in preventing dementia in MCI patients has not yet been confirmed. As no particular types of intervention are currently shown to be effective for MCI, it is believed that periodically monitoring patients and providing lifestyle guidance, while also treating lifestyle-related diseases, is an appropriate treatment strategy for those with MCI.