Strategies to Navigate Mild Cognitive Impairment

Mild cognitive impairment has its challenges. However, there are strategies people can use to manage their symptoms and maintain their quality of life. Explore some tips to help cope with mild cognitive impairment.

Cognitive function can change as people age. Think of cognitive function as the mental tasks people need to complete daily activities. Examples include making decisions, problem-solving, and remembering.

With age, these abilities can change. However, sometimes, the changes are more than what most people experience. The changes are more noticeable, and they can affect daily life. This is mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

MCI is not dementia, but people with MCI have a higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms of MCI are milder than those of dementia, and most people can still manage their daily lives. However, there may be challenges and worries that come from living with MCI.

This article gives some tips people can use in their daily lives for coping with MCI and keeping the brain as healthy as possible.

People with MCI can usually still take care of daily activities and responsibilities. However, they may have some challenges in this area, such as losing things often or forgetting to go to appointments. Memory and organization aids can help people manage their daily routines more successfully.

Tips for organizing and remembering tasks throughout the day include:

• carrying a notebook
• having a household whiteboard
• keeping calendars or day planners
• labeling drawers, cabinets, and other containers with content descriptions
• making lists
• putting belongings, such as keys, in the same place each time
• setting alarms for medications 
• using navigation tools for directions

Technology can help with many of these tips, such as using the calendar or reminder functions on a smartphone. However, research suggests that people with MCI may have trouble using this kind of everyday technology. If this is the case, do not let the digital world become yet another frustration. It’s best to stick with familiar tools to organize the day.

The National Institute on Aging recommends certain lifestyle habits that may have a positive effect on brain health. According to research, following these lifestyle habits may help slow cognitive decline. 

Lifestyle tips for brain health include:

• doing mentally stimulating activities
• following a Mediterranean-style diet
• getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night
• learning a new skill
• not drinking alcohol
• not smoking
• staying physically active with exercise and other activities

Connecting with others through social activities is another way to engage your brain. This could be as basic as spending time with friends or family. People with MCI are often able to do volunteer work or take part in hobbies.

Anxiety, depression, and apathy are common symptoms of MCI. Apathy is a loss of motivation. Someone with apathy appears to withdraw from life or give up on caring about things. These symptoms may increase in people who are developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Ways to manage and reduce symptoms of MCI include:

• finding enjoyable and meaningful activities
• following a structured daily routine
• maintaining social connections
• setting small, achievable goals

Talk with your doctor if you’re worried about cognitive health. Your doctor is the best resource for managing MCI. They can refer you to healthcare professionals and other resources to find support.  

The types of resources you may consider include:

• art and hobby groups
• counseling services and support groups
• financial and legal services
• hired services for cleaning and errands
• physical conditioning with a trainer, physical therapist, or occupational therapist
• structured day programs
• volunteer groups

A case manager or care manager can work to coordinate these resources and services to best suit you. Your doctor can connect you with a care manager who knows MCI and how to help.

Having MCI means experiencing more noticeable cognitive problems than typical, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate dementia.

A lot of people with MCI still manage their own lives and activities, but it can be a challenging condition. Staying physically and mentally active may have positive effects on the brain and slow the change in cognitive functions.