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Signs & Symptoms Neurology & Neurosurgery

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Signs and Symptoms

Cognitive function, or the process of thought, includes abilities such as learning, reading, speaking and writing. Patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) retain these important cognitive skills, necessary to manage their everyday activities, but have difficulty remembering recent events or recently acquired information. Long-term memories tend to remain intact.

In many cases, patients with MCI are aware of the short-term memory loss and compensate with heavy reliance on notes and calendars.

Until recently, doctors didn't associate significance to these complaints. In the past several years, researchers have found possible links between MCI and the future development of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

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