Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

What Is MCI?

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition with memory or cognitive (thinking) changes that are more severe than normal aging, but less severe than dementia. Individuals with mild cognitive impairment have a clear change in cognitive abilities, but typically are able to remain independent in their daily activities.

The brain, like any other part of the body, ages and changes. Gradual decline in memory or focus may be normal. Consistently increasing decline may point to mild cognitive impairment. The patient’s family and friends may be the first to notice.

Mild cognitive impairment symptoms include:

Forgetting things more often, including appointments
Difficulty finding your way around an unfamiliar place or making plans
Overwhelmed or find it difficult to learn new tasks

The board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists at Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center are at the leading edge of advances in caring for those with mild cognitive impairment.

More patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana trust Norton Neuroscience Institute with their neurological care than any other provider in the area. Patients find a comprehensive range of board-certified specialists who provide a diversity of viewpoints to develop a customized care plan for each patient.

Is Mild Cognitive Impairment Reversible?

In some cases cognition is impaired by an underlying condition such as sleep apnea, reaction to a medication, depression or other issues. Addressing these issues can lead to a restoration of cognitive abilities. Some who score just barely below normal on a cognition test can bounce back on a better day.

But in many cases, mild cognitive impairment is an indication the patient may develop dementia.

There are no drugs or treatments specifically to cure mild cognitive impairment. However, there are some lifestyle changes people can make to potentially reduce its effects, including:

Stopping smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing high blood pressure
Engaging in exercise
Remaining socially and mentally active

How Fast Does Mild Cognitive Impairment Progress?

Mild cognitive impairment can progress differently in different individuals. In some cases symptoms may improve. In others the condition may remain relatively unchanged, and in still others symptoms may progress to a dementia.

Mild cognitive impairment often develops into a dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, but not always.

Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center offers resources to help families and individuals coping with mild cognitive impairment.

Care That’s Focused on You

It’s part of Norton Neuroscience Institute’s goal to care for the whole person, not just the condition.

Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers offer ways to improve your access to care, provide valuable information on managing your disease and address your quality-of-life issues. The Norton Healthcare Foundation funds this important service, so patients don’t need to pay.
Dedicated patient navigators can help schedule follow-up appointments, coordinate prescription assistance, create customized diet plans and provide guidance on disability benefits, housing, financial and employment concerns, and more.
Patients can access support groups, exercise classes and other educational events to connect with others and learn how to make the most of life while managing a neurologic condition.
Access an on-demand video library of educational content across a variety of condition-related topics.
We want to help prevent illness. Get help quitting smoking and learn the signs of stroke.
Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a computer or mobile device with a free Norton MyChart account.

A Louisville Leader in Neurologic Care

More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana seek their neurology and neurosurgery care from Norton Neuroscience Institute’s nationally recognized specialists than any other providers in the area.

Your Norton Neuroscience Institute medical provider has the expertise, experience, diagnostic tools and sophisticated treatments to provide care tailored to your needs.

More than 75 medical, surgical and research specialists are dedicated to providing innovative care to those with brain, spine and nervous system conditions.
Advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgery equipment can speed your recovery and minimize pain.
Multidisciplinary clinics provide easy access to care in one convenient appointment for your neurologic condition, with specialists in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics and behavioral health.
Norton Healthcare’s four adult-service hospitals in Louisville are certified by DNV, recognizing excellence and expertise in stroke care.
- Norton Brownsboro Hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
- Norton Audubon Hospital and Norton Hospital are Primary Stroke Centers.
- Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.
Norton Neuroscience Institute is at the forefront of neuroscientific research. As investigators on numerous trials, our physicians contribute to groundbreaking studies and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Also, patients may be eligible to take part in these experimental treatments. Learn more about current neuroscience clinical trials and studies.
The American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines stroke care program has recognized Norton Hospital and Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville for exceeding national averages in getting patients in the door and administering lifesaving treatment to restore blood flow to the brain.
Norton Neuroscience Institute’s multiple sclerosis (MS) program has been designated a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The National Association of Epilepsy Centers has recognized Norton Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center as a Level 4 center, providing the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center navigators help educate patients and their families about new diagnoses, available treatments and ways to manage their disease.
We are listed by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 great neurosurgery and spine programs.