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Mild cognitive impairment: the Manchester consensus
Ross A Dunne1, Dag Aarsland2, John T O'Brien3
1Greater Manchester Dementia Research Centre, Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Rawnsley Building, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester M13 9WL,UK.
Age and Ageing
|November 16, 2020
Summary
National guidance is needed for diagnosing mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that increases dementia risk but often remains stable. Research participation is key to developing better diagnostic tools for MCI.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Geriatrics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous syndrome with variable progression, posing diagnostic challenges.
- MCI represents a risk state for dementia, with 5-15% progressing annually, though many remain stable or improve.
- Debate exists on MCI's clinical utility, with concerns it may hinder investigation into underlying causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the need for national guidance on diagnosing and managing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- To discuss the role of neuroimaging, biomarkers, and cognitive testing in MCI diagnosis and prognosis.
- To address challenges and requirements for implementing advanced diagnostic strategies in routine UK clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of current diagnostic and therapeutic practices for MCI.
- Analysis of the potential of cognitive testing, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarkers.
- Discussion of the implications of potential disease-modifying therapies on MCI diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Considerable variation exists in current MCI diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- Neuroimaging, fluid biomarkers, and cognitive testing can enhance diagnostic accuracy and prognostic prediction for MCI.
- Biomarker availability in routine UK practice is limited, posing challenges for definitive diagnoses, especially with potential future therapies.
Conclusions:
- Standardized national guidance is essential for the diagnosis and management of MCI.
- Increased investment in training, infrastructure, and biomarker provision is necessary for advanced MCI diagnostics.
- Large-scale studies and increased research participation are crucial for validating and implementing combined diagnostic markers for MCI.
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