On World Alzheimer's Day, we're focusing on minor neurocognitive disorders, formerly known as mild cognitive impairment. What are the risks, when should you seek help, and what can be done to minimize them?
As we age, memory lapses are not uncommon. While these can have various causes, they can sometimes be the result of minor neurocognitive disorders. Long referred to as mild cognitive impairment, these disorders were renamed to "avoid confusion with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease," explains Dr. Maï Panchal, Director General of the Vaincre Alzheimer Foundation, in an interview with Femme Actuelle . But what exactly are they?
What are minor neurocognitive disorders?
Minor neurocognitive disorders are relatively common. Indeed, a 2023 French study, led in particular by neurologist Audrey Gabelle and published in the Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease, estimates that approximately 1.65 million people in France have minor cognitive disorders related to Alzheimer's disease.
“This is a state where the person has minor difficulties with memory or thinking, but it doesn't impact their daily life or work,” explains Dr. Maï Panchal. However, “they don't necessarily lead to Alzheimer's disease .” Indeed, she explains that some people remain at this stage their entire lives, while others progress to a neurodegenerative disease.
At what point should we be concerned about the presence of neurocognitive disorders?
On the contrary, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease directly impact daily life. "Alzheimer's disease often manifests as recent memory loss (for example, forgetting what you ate for lunch or a recent family event)," explains Dr. Maï Panchal. But it can also present itself in other ways, notably through:
- language disorders ( difficulty finding words, saying one word for another);
- problems with spatial orientation (no longer knowing how to read a map, getting lost in a roundabout);
- or even personality changes (apathy, depression, withdrawal).
“It’s important to consult a doctor, because other causes can mimic Alzheimer’s,” insists the specialist, who lists depression, medication side effects, thyroid disorders, and vitamin B deficiencies. This message is all the more important because “some of these causes are reversible.”
Which healthcare professionals should one consult in case of minor cognitive impairments?
Dr. Maïa Panchal initially advises consulting a general practitioner. “They can prescribe tests (blood tests, imaging, etc.) and then refer you to a neurologist, a geriatrician, or a memory clinic,” she explains. Furthermore, neuropsychological tests can also help differentiate between depression and Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Mai Panchal emphasizes the importance of early detection. “Early diagnosis allows patients to benefit from future treatments, which primarily target the early stages,” she points out. But it also allows them to participate in clinical trials and plan for their future while they are still able to make decisions. “Finally, early diagnosis avoids certain medical risks (for example, avoiding general anesthesia, which can worsen symptoms in patients).”
How to reduce the risk of cognitive decline?
While the disease is multifactorial, as the expert points out, there are nevertheless modifiable risk factors. It is therefore advisable to:
- prevent cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol);
- stimulate your brain (continuing education, professional responsibilities, intellectual activities, curiosity, travel, social interactions);
- move regularly: not necessarily sport, but adapted physical activity (walking, gardening...);
- to have a balanced diet , close to the Mediterranean diet.
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