Do you have a parent or other loved one with mild cognitive impairment symptoms? If so, you are well aware of their confusion. They can exhibit out-of-the-ordinary behaviors, which can be alarming at first.
You may be wondering what’s happening to them and how you can help. This is common, and millions of others have been in the same situation before you. Luckily, there are ways to improve mild cognitive impairment symptoms.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) may not be dementia, although it can be a precursor to dementia. It is also typically detectable for more extended periods than Alzheimer’s.
Mild cognitive impairment can occur in people with traumatic brain injury, strokes, degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, normal aging, and sometimes Huntington’s disease.
Seniors with MCI experience difficulties with memory, language, thinking, and problem-solving.
The Alzheimer’s Association says that approximately 12-18% of people age 60 or older are living with MCI.
What Causes Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment is a term for a gradual decline in memory and thinking skills that’s noticeable to the person experiencing it and those around them. The word mild means that the disorder’s symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with daily life, though this isn’t always the case.
Mild cognitive impairment isn’t a degenerative condition; it doesn’t necessarily lead to full-blown dementia. And it’s not just a matter of age—it can also result from traumatic brain injury, stroke, and HIV infection, among other things. Some people with MCI have an inherited genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, but most cases are related to other factors.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) vary but usually include short-term memory loss and language, judgment, or thinking problems.
The symptoms of mild cognitive impairment may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
Short-term memory loss
Memory lapses that are more obvious than normal forgetfulness
Difficulty finding the words to express ideas
Trouble following a conversation or thread of thought
Forgetting names when introduced to new people (but remembering them later)
Struggling to learn something new or perform complex tasks
Difficulty handling money or paying bills
20 Ways to Manage Seniors Who Have MCI
Create Reminder Notes – Reminder notes can be used for a variety of reasons, including reminding them to take their medicine on time, to turn off the stove, to clean up after themselves in the kitchen, or to remember which day it is and what they’re doing.
To create reminder notes, you can draw pictures that remind them of these things. You can post them on their doors or mirrors that remind them of their daily tasks and schedule, or write things down for them on 3×5 note cards and leave them around the house for easy reference.
Don’t Leave Seniors at Home by Themselves – Seniors with mild cognitive impairment should not be left alone at home. They may forget to take their medicine or get injured if they slip or fall down the stairs.
If you need to leave them by themselves for a short period, make sure you check in on them from time to time and write down when you’ll be back. Have an alarm system that tracks their location in the event of wandering.
Take Photos to Help Remember – Take pictures and write down names, addresses, and phone numbers to help your loved one remember.
Talk to Their Doctor – If your loved one has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, it’s essential to have regular checkups and tests. This will help their doctor monitor their condition and ensure it doesn’t worsen.
Their doctor will also want to watch for signs of depression. People with MCI are at higher risk for this condition, so it’s important to tell their doctor about any symptoms they might have.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Professional Help – Caring for elderly loved ones is undoubtedly a challenging task. It’s important to remember that you aren’t alone in the process. Asking for help from medical professionals, friends, and family members can make a huge difference.
If you see symptoms of cognitive impairment in your senior loved one, it’s best to get a professional opinion. Memory loss is common as we age but shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Set Reminders on Their Cellphone – It is common for seniors with MCI to forget essential things. The easiest way to help your loved one remember things is by setting reminders on their cellphone.
For example, if your loved one needs to take their medication at 6 pm every day, but they often forget, put a reminder on their phone that it will go off at that time each day. This will ensure they don’t skip their medication and help them lead a healthier life.
Help Them Keep a Journal or Calendar – One of the easiest ways to help your senior loved one with their mild cognitive impairment symptoms is to help them keep a journal or calendar. This way, they have a place to write down important things to remember, such as doctor’s appointments, dates with friends, and other events.
Keep Doctor Appointments and Treat Medical Conditions – People with MCI are at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. They often have other health conditions that could be affecting their thinking skills.
So it’s essential to see their primary care doctor regularly for checkups and talk about any new symptoms they may have. Keep all of their appointments, even if they’re feeling fine. If they have health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, ensure they’re under control by following their doctor’s treatment plan.
These steps may help prevent MCI from getting worse or delay its progression into Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.
Use Post-It Notes – Post-it notes are helpful tools for people with mild cognitive impairment. For example, use post-its to mark pages in books and leave reminders for taking medications or doing daily activities.
Keep Familiar Items in the Same Place – If seniors live at home or move into an assisted living facility, keep everyday items in the same place. Although they may not remember where something is right now, keeping it in the same area can later help them find it.
For example, if they always forget their glasses or keys, place them by the door or on a nightstand so they can find them easily. Consider having a basket or container near the front door to put their keys and other personal items when they walk in the door.
Make Sure They Get Enough Sleep – Sleep plays a vital role in memory and learning. Sleep deprivation can make mild cognitive impairment symptoms worse and reduce brain function. Seniors need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night, so make sure your loved one gets the right amount of rest.
Organize Medications in Pill Containers – To make it easier for your loved one to remember when to take their medications, have them organized into weekly pill containers. This will also help them avoid taking any medications twice by mistake. Some pill container organizers come with alarms to remind seniors when to take their next dose. If they use multiple medications throughout the day, this will be particularly helpful.
Try to Keep Them on a Schedule – As with some other conditions, keeping a mild cognitive impairment senior on a schedule can be very helpful. Because they have more trouble with short-term memory and forgetfulness, having a daily routine will help them tremendously.
Take Advantage of New Technology – There are multiple ways to incorporate the latest technologies into the living experience of seniors. With the right technology, seniors can stay connected with family and friends and send reminders and alerts straight to their phones. This can help seniors remember important dates, medications, appointments, and more.
Aging in Place or Respite Care – Aging in place can be an excellent option for seniors with MCI because it allows them to stay in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the support they need. Caregivers can assist with things like meal preparation, transportation, and household chores so that your loved one can focus on enjoying life.
If you feel that your loved one would benefit from respite care, reach out to caregivers who are expertly trained in cognitive stimulation therapies and other care methods.
Keep Them Mentally and Physically Active – Studies have consistently shown that people who engage in regular physical activity and follow a heart-healthy diet are less likely to develop MCI than those who lead sedentary lifestyles. While it is not clear whether being active will prevent the progression of MCI to dementia, keeping your senior loved ones busy is an excellent way to help them maintain their current cognitive abilities as well as their overall health.
Encourage your loved ones to exercise regularly by taking walks or engaging in other physical activities they enjoy. If they are able, suggest activities like dancing or yoga classes at a nearby senior center. Help them prepare healthy meals by grocery shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, and then cook together at home.
Help Them Avoid Distractions – Help them avoid distractions. Seniors trying to follow along in a book or cook dinner, might have difficulty focusing on the task at hand if there is too much going on around them. Try to limit the amount of noise or activity in the room while they perform everyday tasks to focus on what they’re doing.
Set Up Home Safety Measures – One of the most important things you can do for your loved ones is to make sure their home is safe and secure.
This means setting up safety measures that reduce the risk of falls, such as adding handrails in the bathroom and slip-resistant rugs in front of the tub or shower. You can also install ramps or widen doorways to make it easier for your loved one to get around their home in a wheelchair.
If your loved one lives alone and you’re worried about them forgetting to lock doors or windows, you may want to consider installing a smart lock on the front door.
These electronic locks allow you to unlock the door using a smartphone app, meaning your loved one won’t have any problems getting into their home.
Get Them to Eat Healthy Foods – As a caregiver; you want to ensure that your loved one eats healthy foods. It can be challenging to get them to eat anything, let alone nutritious foods.
People with MCI are advised to eat healthy foods to help their brains function well. These foods include carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables that contain vitamin A. Green, leafy vegetables, and whole grains are also recommended.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Sedatives – While it’s okay to use sedatives occasionally, avoid using them regularly. These drugs may cause confusion and memory issues when taken daily. If your loved one needs help sleeping at night, consult with their doctor about prescription medications that don’t have sedating side effects.
Conclusion
With a little bit of effort from both seniors and family members’, mild cognitive impairment can be successfully treated and managed.
While not typically a concern for the elderly or those in the later stages of their lives, Mild cognitive impairment should not be ignored.
If your loved ones are experiencing some of these mild cognitive impairment symptoms, it is important to discuss these with their doctor and plan what action to take next. At that point, you can take action to manage your mild cognitive impairment symptoms.
If you have additional questions concerning seniors’ memory-related issues, contact Applewood Our House today.