Mild Cognitive Impairment is a term used to describe people who have memory problems but do not actually have dementia. People with Mild Cognitive Impairment can be shown to have memory deficits on formal memory tests but do not have impairment in other areas of brain function and do not have significant problems in everyday living. Some people with Mild Cognitive Impairment will go on to develop dementia in the future but many people will not.
Further information and leaflets on mild cognitive impairment can be found on the Alzheimer's Society website - they deal with a wide range of memory problems, not just Alzheimer's disease.
This describes problems with cognition (memory, organisation skills and thinking) which has been caused by blood not reaching parts of the brain, for example due to damage to blood vessels or circulation in the brain. Problems due to circulation in the brain may lead to mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
For information on power of attorney, guardianship and adults with incapacity act, visit the Mental Health Legislation section of elament.