Mild Cognitive Impairment
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. Dementia?
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition where a person experiences a mild decline in mental abilities compared to others of the same age. These changes, however, generally do not affect the person’s ability to carry out everyday activities (e.g. shopping, cooking, driving). Dementia is a term that indicates a more significant decline in mental abilities, which interferes with everyday tasks and makes it challenging to take care of oneself.
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”
What are the Signs of
Mild Cognitive Impairment?
The way that MCI is expressed differs from one person to another, which can make diagnosis challenging. Even so, some early warning signs for our professionals include repeating questions or comments within a short time frame, forgetting names of close family members, forgetting participation in a recent activity, forgetting to pay bills, being easily confused by new tasks, or having difficulty with balance and motor coordination. If you are experiencing such changes, it may be helpful to speak with your doctor or a brain health specialist at an MCI clinic.
Treatment For Mild Cognitive Impairment
Learning the Ropes for Mild Cognitive Impairment
Learning the Ropes for MCI is a 6-week intervention program aimed at older adults in the community who are experiencing mild memory decline, often characterized as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The focus of MCI treatment is on learning strategies to help improve memory functioning in everyday life. This program provides information about the effects of stress, relaxation, nutrition, and leisure activities on memory ability. Family members are encouraged to attend, as they receive separate sessions to provide additional information and support.
Interested clients require a physician referral to determine whether or not this program is appropriate for them.
Care Wherever You Are
Our team can provide virtual care services (online or over the phone) to people across Alberta who have concerns about their physical, emotional, or cognitive health.
“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”
Care Wherever You Are
Our team can provide virtual care services (online or over the phone) to people across Alberta who have concerns about their physical, emotional, or cognitive health.
“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.”
Improve Knowledge and Use of Memory Ability
Develop a greater understanding of mild cognitive impairment and learn practical memory strategies to support your memory ability in everyday life.
Increase Confidence in Coping with Memory Changes
Gain greater confidence in everyday rememberings, such as memory for names, appointments, location of items and things you need to do.
Enjoy Greater Quality of Life
Increase independence by minimizing the risk of memory slips and incorporating lifestyle choices that promote brain health.
Our Treatment Approach for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Calgary
There is no single trajectory for someone who shows signs of MCI. Some people will continue to experience changes, while others will remain stable for years or even return to their normal. Our clinicians are here to provide education and support on these changes through the Learning the ROPES program for MCI. Additionally, our services can assist with health management and promote a person’s quality of life and independence for as long as possible.
