Navigating Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Alzheimer's Disease

When Memory Issues are More Than Just Normal Aging

Have you ever misplaced your keys or temporarily forgotten a word or name? When that's happened, have you wondered if it's just a symptom of aging, or perhaps, something more? If yes, know this: you are not alone.

Memory and other thinking issues are a very common part of the aging process and a regular topic of discussion amongst adults as they and their loved ones get older. While it may be normal to forget where you parked your car, losing things often and having regular lapses in memory may be preliminary signs of a condition called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). It’s estimated that 10 to 20 percent of people 65 or older are living with MCI.

While risk of MCI increases with age—genetics and other health conditions may also put some at a greater risk. In some cases, MCI is caused by treatable medical conditions and may not progress, but in other cases it can be caused by a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's, and may eventually lead to dementia. So, how does one reach a diagnosis?

Taking Action to Prioritize Your Cognitive Health

It’s possible that you’re wondering about your cognitive or brain health because a loved one has noticed some changes in your memory and thinking—or because you’ve noticed a change in yourself. No matter what, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible and with people by your side. According to a survey by the Alzheimer's Association, a majority of primary care physicians have reported waiting for patients or family members to make them aware of symptoms of cognitive decline or request an assessment; that's why conversation with your physician is crucial.

Bring your family and friends on this journey; allow them to communicate with you about what they’ve noticed and lean on them for support as you make initial doctor’s appointments and potentially meet with specialists.

Navigating the Diagnostic Journey: What to Expect

After your first conversation with your doctor about what you’ve been experiencing, it's possible some diagnostic evaluations may be scheduled to better understand what's happening inside of your brain.

One type of test your physician may recommend will determine whether there are abnormal accumulations in your brain called "plaques," which are made up of amyloid, a protein the body produces naturally, and has been found to be associated with cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques can continue to build up over time and potentially further impact your ability to think and function. That is why acting early is so important.

Tests that could be used to make these determinations include:

• PET Scans: a brain image that can spot amyloid or other proteins associated with cognitive decline.

• Blood Tests: newer tests that can help detect signs of abnormal protein levels that could indicate cognitive issues via a blood draw.

• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Tests: by examining your cerebrospinal fluid, or fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, doctors can look for telltale proteins.

Ultimately, getting early and accurate testing may help your doctor to better inform the correct diagnosis and to recommend a tailored disease management plan.

Cutting-Edge Innovations Provide New Hope for Patients

If you receive more testing, an MCI or Alzheimer’s diagnosis could come next, and that’s when you would start to map out a personalized disease management plan.

The good news is this: there are promising new treatment options that can help slow the progression of memory and thinking issues in certain people diagnosed with MCI and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. New advancements in diagnostics could lead to more accurate and affordable options. As innovation in these areas evolves, people can take comfort in knowing that there are treatment options available that can meaningfully slow disease progression and offer invaluable time to continue engaging in activities that are important to them.

No matter where you may be, the experience can be stressful and daunting. But you have the power to take control and get the care you need. Call upon your community to stand by your side, make appointments with your doctors as soon as possible, and don’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to testing and care. For more information and resources, visit morethannormalaging.lilly.com.