[Mild cognitive impairment in geriatric practice: patient orientation, diagnostics, treatment and ethics]

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common problem in old people, which can be distressing for patients and their families. The main feature of MCI is a decrease in cognitive performance with activities of daily living still unimpaired. The identification of treatable risk factors, recognition of early cognitive changes and a timely differential diagnosis, comprehensive information and counselling are important tasks in geriatric medicine. The aim of this article is to present practical recommendations to support physicians working with geriatric patients in recognizing cognitive deficits at an early stage, provide high-quality care focusing on counselling, treatment, and comorbidity management and to maximize the potential of the available treatment options.