The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by “mild cognitive impairment”: Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Malnutrition Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Apoplexy (stroke) – analysis of 18 cohort studies shows that the risk of apoplexy increased in patients with pre-established cognitive impairment. Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Follow-up
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Inspection and palpation (palpation) of the thyroid gland. Auscultation (listening) of the heart Examination of the lungs Neurological examination … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count [MCV ↑ → possible indication of alcohol dependence, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency] Differential blood count Electrolytes (blood salts) – calcium, sodium. Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Fasting glucose (fasting blood glucose), if necessary oral glucose tolerance … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Lab Test
Optional medical device diagnostics-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics-for differential diagnostic workup Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound of the abdominal organs). Thyroid sonography (ultrasound of the thyroid gland). (Long-term) blood pressure measurement Exercise ECG (electrocardiogram during exercise, that is, under physical activity/exercise ergometry) – if coronary artery … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Diagnostic Tests
To prevent “mild cognitive impairment,” attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Nutrition – see .below under causes/vitamin deficiency. Consumption of stimulants Alcohol (woman: > 20 g/day; man: > 30 g/day) → dose-dependent decreasing gray matter density, especially in the hippocampus and parts of the amygdala Tobacco (smoking) Drug use … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate “mild cognitive impairment”: Definition Evidence of cognitive decline (self-reported or external history). Evidence of cognitive impairment, eg. Difficulty in completing complex tasks Problems of episodic memory: facts and events that either belong to one’s biography or make up what is known as a person’s knowledge of the world … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Because mild cognitive impairment can be influenced by somatic conditions (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus), these conditions should be optimally treated. General Measures In the care of individuals suffering from mild cognitive impairment, consideration should be given to: Nicotine restriction (abstaining from tobacco use). Alcohol abstinence (refrain from alcohol consumption). Aim to maintain a normal weight! … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Therapy
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Physical causes of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) lie in damage to brain structures required for cognition. In addition to normal aging processes (“continuity hypothesis”), specific diseases (“specificity hypothesis”) may be the cause.The following is a listing of known risk factors. There was a dose-response relationship between beta-amyloid load and episodic memory … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Causes
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) – specific human genomic mutation in which the entire 21st chromosome or parts of it are present in triplicate (trisomy). In addition to physical characteristics considered typical for this syndrome, the cognitive abilities of the affected person are usually impaired; furthermore, there is an … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of “mild cognitive impairment.” Family history What is the general health status of your relatives? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Are there any hereditary diseases in your family? Social history What is your profession? Is there any evidence … Mild Cognitive Impairment: Medical History
