Mild Cognitive Impairment

[powerpooch]

My grandfather has this. What is this condition?? How is this different from alzimer and what usually causes it???

[DusktilDawn]

welcome powerpooch

alzheimer's is a progressive mental deterioration characterized by confusion, memory failure, disorientation, restlessness, agnosia (unable to recognize familiar objects/persons), speech disturbances, and inability to carry out purposeful movement, and hallucinations.

cognitive refers to comprehension, judgment, memory, and reasoning. if your grandfather has slight deficits to any of these areas that could be termed "mild cognitive impairment."

i don't know if this helps. perhaps if you have the chance to talk to your grandfather's doctor concerning this diagnosis he can clarify it.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Before your grandfather, or anyone else for that matter, gets labeled with "mild cognitive impairment", make sure any medical cause such as severe B12 deficiency or hypo/hyperthyroid or UTI is ruled out.

[rn/writer, RN]

Before your grandfather, or anyone else for that matter, gets labeled with "mild cognitive impairment", make sure any medical cause such as severe B12 deficiency or hypo/hyperthyroid or UTI is ruled out.

Many older people are chronically slightly dehydrated as well. They don't get as thirsty as they did when younger and some don't drink nearly enough. And some are on med which have a diuretic effect (even if that is not the med's main purpose).

Speaking of meds, check this area out, too. It's not at all uncommon for an older person to be seeing several doctors. The prescriptions can begin to accumulate. His pharmacist should catch incompatible meds or those that have potentiating effects but you might want to look into this. And be sure to find out if he's taking any OTC meds or supplements. Some of these things alone or in combination can mimic all kinds of impairments.

Finally, ask your grandfather for permission to speak to whomever made this diagnosis (he'll have to sign a HIPPA release) and ask them exactly what they mean, how they arrived at this diagnosis, what you should expect in the short and long term, and how you can best help your grandfather. Probably the biggest concern is whether his condition is stable or progressive.

He's lucky to have a caring granddaughter to help him see this through.