Mild cognitive impairment

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Mild cognitive impairment is a transition stage between the cognitive decline of normal aging and the more serious problems caused by Alzheimer's disease.

The disorder can affect many areas of thought and action — such as language, attention, reasoning, judgment, reading and writing. However, the most common variety of mild cognitive impairment causes memory problems.

According to the American College of Physicians, mild cognitive impairment affects about 20 percent of the population over 70. Many people with mild cognitive impairment eventually develop Alzheimer's disease, although some remain stable and others even return to normal.

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Aug. 26, 2008

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