Mild cognitive impairment
Short definition
Mild cognitive impairment is a decline in memory or other cognitive functions greater than expected for age, but which does not significantly compromise independence in daily activities.
In plain language
The person or those around them notice new forgetfulness or difficulties, confirmed by assessment, but the person still manages day-to-day life. It increases the risk of progressing to dementia, but not everyone progresses and some stabilise or improve. This is why follow-up and the search for treatable causes matter.