Mild Cognitive Impairment Specialist London
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is characterised by symptoms that are often associated with dementia, such as memory, language and judgement. However, MCI symptoms are, as its name suggests, more mild, and are unlikely to have a significant impact on day-to-day life.
The progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment will depend on the individual – for some, the symptoms can dissipate, whereas for others, they can worsen and eventually develop into dementia. Seeking professional support early on is key to ensuring the appropriate management of the symptoms.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild Cognitive Impairment is defined as ‘the symptomatic predementia stage on the continuum of cognitive decline’. It is a condition in which an individual has mild but measurable problems with memory, language, thinking or judgement that are noticeable to the person affected and to family members.
While symptoms are usually noticeable, cognitive problems associated with MCI are not usually severe enough to require day-to-day assistance. Usual, daily activities can be managed by the individual, even if they are experiencing all of the common MCI symptoms.
If you think you have Mild Cognitive Impairment, you might be aware of things such as your memory or mental function having “slipped” over the last few months. Your family and close friends may have also noticed small changes in your behaviour. If this is the case, the best option is to seek professional diagnosis and support so that you can ensure your MCI doesn’t develop into anything more serious.
What are The Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment?
MCI is a condition in which an individual has mild but measurable problems with memory, language, thinking or judgement that are usually noticeable to family members as well as the person affected. However, while symptoms of MCI can be noticeable, they don’t generally affect daily life very much. Therefore, a person with MCI (and those around them), may not notice the symptoms during the initial stages.
The most significant symptoms of MCI include the following, but these will differ depending on the individual:
Memory
You may find that you are misplacing items or you may have trouble remembering recent conversations.
Mood and Behaviour
You may become irritable, anxious, or low in mood.
Disorientation
You may be confused about time and place.
Thinking Skills
You may have problems with planning, reasoning, or completing tasks. For example, you may have trouble managing money.
Language
You may have problems finding the right words during conversations.
Attention
You may be finding it difficult to concentrate, such as following conversations or following the story of a TV program.
Symptoms of MCI are usually consistent with age. As our bodies change, so do our brains, and it is completely natural to have some difficulty with memory, language and other functions as we grow older. No matter how mild your impairments seem, it can bring peace of mind if you receive professional diagnosis, and will also support the prevention of other issues.
How is Mild Cognitive Impairment Diagnosed?
Dementech Neurosciences offers a wide range of cutting-edge services, specifically designed for people with MCI, such as the Dementech Biomarker Tools and genetic counselling appointments. We also use CANTAB technology, as well as neuroimaging such as MRI, amyloid and tau PET to assess the severity of cognitive deficits in people with MCI. This enables us to provide an early diagnosis of cognitive impairment and effectively manage it.
By using the latest advances in imaging and genetics, we are able to answer all your questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring progression and response to treatment.
The MCI Diagnosis Process at Dementech
Consultation
Before any treatment plans are established it is important for our patients to have an Initial consultation with a specialist physician. During this consultation, patients can describe their experiences with certain symptoms and deliver an accurate picture of their medical history to the specialist.
Assessment
Following this, patients will have an appointment with a neuropsychologist in the Neuropsychiatric Laboratory. This will result in a computerised, detailed assessment of cognitive deficits and other neuropsychiatric issues associated with dementia.
Testing
As with many other diseases affecting brain function, blood tests and imaging scans will be required to generate the most accurate picture of the severity of the symptoms. These tests are outsourced to the highest quality and most convenient centres across London.
Follow-Up
When all the results are available, a second consultation will take place with a private dementia consultant. Alongside providing a clinical diagnosis, a follow-up strategy will be discussed and explained. We will answer any questions and do our best to ensure you feel well informed and reassured during this time.
What is The Treatment for Mild Cognitive Impairment?
At Dementech Neurosciences, we offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating the variety of symptoms of MCI. We have in-house speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists and psychiatrists to help our patients effectively manage cognitive impairment symptoms. Our professionals can also offer support for caregivers, as they may be experiencing significant levels of stress.
In terms of specific treatments for Mild Cognitive Impairment, medications will only be used if the symptoms are severe or seem to be progressing into forms of dementia. In some cases, MCI will be caused by another condition, in which case medications can be administered to support the management of this underlying issue. Specific treatments recommended to each patient will depend on results from tests and the severity of the symptoms.
Book A Consultation
Speak to an MCI Specialist
0203 848 4500
Dementech Neurosciences are London's leading neurological clinic specialising in advanced neurological conditions such as Dementia. Book a call with our clinic to speak to a specialist on your condition.
Insights Into Mild Cognitive Impairment
MCI is often considered an early warning sign of potential future cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals with MCI may experience noticeable memory problems or other cognitive difficulties that are greater than expected for their age but do not interfere significantly with daily activities.
MCI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning that the severity and nature of cognitive deficits can vary from person to person. Some individuals with MCI may primarily have memory problems (amnestic MCI), while others may experience difficulties in other cognitive domains, such as language, attention, or executive function (non-amnestic MCI).
While not everyone with MCI develops dementia, it does increase the risk of progression to more severe cognitive disorders. On average, individuals with MCI have a higher likelihood of eventually developing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia compared to those without MCI. Regular monitoring and assessment are essential to detect any further decline or changes in cognitive function.
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Patient Success Stories
Dementech Neurosciences prides itself on delivering exceptional patient care. Here are just some of our patient testimonials.
P Allen
“My family and I experienced one of the hardest times of our lives having to deal with my wife’s deteriorating condition. I would like to personally thank the lovely young lady Zobiaa from Dementech, for showering us with compassion, empathy and genuine care and concern. Her professionalism, high-level customer service and communication, eye for detail, and willingness to go the extra mile to accommodate our needs and make not only my wife, but our whole family, feel as comfortable and supported as possible, is something we will always be grateful for. Thank you so much for your friendly and polite presence Zobiaa and taking the time and effort to build a relationship with us. You really made our visits to the clinic a positive, 5 star experience.”
Anonymous
“Dementech Neurosciences is a relatively new clinic specialising in the scientific assessment and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. It represents a significant development in the treatment of Parkinson’s and has done a great job of establishing itself and its reputation in a short period of time. The premises are extremely well situated in central London, the consultant neurologists are all at the top of their field in their specialisation of the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, and the clinical and administrative staff are of a similar standard. The atmosphere of the clinic is positive and the results, in the short period of time I have been able to assess, have been similarly positive.”
N Mohammed
“Have had nothing but kindness and professionalism from Dementech and all their staff. From their initial guidance by Shakeela, through to staff conducting the MRI tests and Dr. Lucio D’Anna for his expertise clarity of explanation, compassion and consideration. Special mention to Zobia, who saved the day with her quick thinking that helped my mother-in-law to obtain extended care. Overall a perfect experience. Cannot recommend them enough.”
Testing for MCI at Dementech: Comprehensive Evaluations for Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Testing for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) typically involves a combination of clinical assessments, cognitive tests, and medical evaluations. Here’s an overview of the testing process for MCI:
- Medical History: At Dementech, we undertake a thorough review of our patient’s medical history, including any past or current medical conditions, medications, and family history of cognitive disorders.
- Symptom Evaluation: Our private neurological MCI specialists will assess the patient’s cognitive symptoms, including memory problems, changes in mood or behaviour, disorientation, and language difficulties.
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): This is a common screening tool that assesses various cognitive functions, including memory, orientation, arithmetic, language, and visual-spatial skills.
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): Another widely used assessment tool that evaluates various cognitive domains, including attention, memory, language, and executive function.
- Other Cognitive Tests: Additional tests may be administered to assess specific cognitive functions based on your consultant’s decision.
Brain imaging studies like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scans may be conducted to check for structural brain changes associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. These scans can help rule out other potential causes of cognitive impairment.
A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment may be conducted by a neuropsychologist. This involves a battery of tests that provide a detailed evaluation of cognitive abilities and deficits in various domains.
Evaluating the individual’s ability to perform daily activities and maintain independence is crucial. Changes in daily functioning can provide important clues about cognitive impairment.
J Adams
A pleasure to have the expertise, vision & support of Dementech, most especially the care and trust of Dr. D’Anna, Anca and the team!
Meet Our Specialists
London is home to a distinguished group of leading specialists in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), who enjoy global recognition for their expertise in this field. These specialists are at the forefront of pioneering research, diagnosis, and treatment of MCI, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of patients. Their extensive clinical experience, coupled with access to state-of-the-art medical facilities and resources here at Dementech, enables them to deliver comprehensive care and innovative therapies tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Whether it’s advancing our understanding of MCI through groundbreaking research or providing personalised treatment plans that improve the quality of life for patients, London’s MCI specialists are renowned for their dedication to tackling this intricate cognitive condition.
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Dr. Stylianos Arseniou – Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologist
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Dr Catherine Anosike – Consultant Psychiatrist
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About Dementech
At our core, we are dedicated to enhancing your quality of life and overall well-being by delivering the highest standard of care. Recognising the need for a private centre that offers a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, we’ve embarked on a mission to transform the lives of individuals facing neurological disorders.
Our commitment to this mission is fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies and advanced diagnostic methods, some of which are considered the best in the world. Although many of the neurological disorders we specialise in remain incurable, our focus on medication and other therapeutic modalities can effectively slow down disease progression and bring about substantial improvements in the patient’s quality of life.
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