Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Featuring Dr. Cirelle K. Rosenblatt, PhD, RPsych

Duration: 1 minute, 3 seconds

Establishing a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or specifically amnestic MCI. Diagnosing MCI can provide individuals with valuable information about their cognitive health, allowing them to plan for the future and understand the potential outcomes associated with their condition.

A neuropsychological assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that can determine the extent and nature of cognitive impairment. It can help track the progression or stability of cognitive symptoms over time. By monitoring changes in cognitive abilities, individuals and their healthcare providers can make informed decisions and develop appropriate strategies for managing the condition.

If someone is concerned about possible mild cognitive impairment, it is recommended that they speak with their physician. The physician can then refer them to a neuropsychologist who specializes in conducting assessments and can provide a more detailed evaluation of cognitive function. A neuropsychological assessment involves a series of tests and measures that evaluate various cognitive domains, such as memory, attention, language, and executive functions. The results of this assessment can provide valuable insights into the individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses and assist in tracking the progression of their condition.

By working with a healthcare team, including a physician and a neuropsychologist, individuals can gain a better understanding of their cognitive health, make informed decisions, and plan for the future based on their specific needs and circumstances. It can be important to establish a diagnosis of MCI or amnestic MCI because it certainly helps a person to plan and consider the possible outcome of that condition.

It's also important because in the event that a person's able to get a neuropsychological assessment that defines the extent of the cognitive impairment, then tracking that person over time can give them information regarding the rate of that progression or the relative stability of their condition.

And that again, allows for planning and future consideration that could be important to the individual. A person interested in better understanding of possible mild kind of impairment should speak with their physician, who can refer them to a neuropsychologist who could possibly perform such an assessment and help them with tracking their condition over time.

Presenter: Dr. Cirelle K. Rosenblatt, Psychologist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Psychologist