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Mild cognitive impairment: emerging therapeutics
J J Sramek1, A E Veroff, N R Cutler
1California Clinical Trials, Beverly Hills, USA. sramek@cctrials.com
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|October 31, 2000
Summary
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition characterized by memory loss, often preceding Alzheimer's disease (AD). Early screening for MCI may aid in the early intervention and prevention of AD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Occasional forgetfulness is common in aging.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition preceding dementia.
- MCI is characterized by abnormal memory impairment for age and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- Provide an overview of MCI etiology, definition, and prevalence.
- Outline potential treatment strategies for MCI.
- Discuss MCI as a potential marker for early Alzheimer's disease (AD) onset.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a MEDLINE search (1990-2000) for MCI, mild-to-moderate AD, and therapeutics.
- Included data from relevant books and authors' experience in MCI trials.
- Assessed all references and included relevant information in the review.
Main Results:
- MCI is a condition in forgetful individuals who are likely to develop AD.
- MCI is marked by memory impairment abnormal for age and education.
- MCI can serve as a potential marker for early AD onset.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of forgetful individuals, especially those with MCI, may be diagnosed with dementia.
- MCI is considered by many researchers to be incipient AD.
- MCI screening may benefit early AD intervention and prevention.