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Mom recently diagnosed
My mom was recently diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. I don’t completely understand the difference in this and “full blown” dementia, but am wondering what goals are appropriate for her right now. Can we use goals to help her maintain her current abilities? Is it worth trying? Thanks in advance
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1 Reply
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A mild cognitive impairment is defined by the Alzheimer’s Association as, “cognitive changes that are serious enough to be noticed by the person affected and by family members and friends but do not affect the individual’s ability to carry out everyday activities.” A mild cognitive impairment can lead into a Dementia for some, for others other neurodegenerative diseases and for others no changes beyond having a mild cognitive impairment. For any patient with a cognitive impairment, they would most certainly benefit from goals such as established routines, memory aids (i.e., calendars, whiteboards for writing reminders, etc.), regularly checking in by loved ones to make sure medication management, medical management and household management needs continue to be met (such as paying bills, etc.). Continuing to exercise the mind is also a very important aspect; by doing games, puzzles, and activities the patient loves to do and are meaningful will enhance the patients cognition and keep their mind active.
