Managing Mild Cognitive Impairment: Tips for a Healthy Mind and Body

2024-04-05 05:10:08
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. But not everyone who has MCI will develop these diseases. MCI symptoms can also be caused by medications or certain medical conditions (Illustrative Image Infobae)

*This content was produced by Mayo Clinic experts exclusively for Infobae

Perhaps memory problems have been bothering you for a while. Or perhaps your loved ones have noticed changes that prompted a visit to the doctor.

Either way, a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) means a new phase. Knowing what’s going on in your brain can bring clarity, but it can also come with grief, anger, and fear. It will take time to process. And you will need to practice being especially kind to your mind and body.

If you have mild cognitive impairment, there are changes in your thinking and memory that go beyond the normal signs of aging. But what that means for you may be different than what it means for someone else with the same diagnosis.

MCI can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. But not everyone who has MCI will develop these diseases. MCI symptoms can also be caused by medications or certain medical conditions.

Having 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, practicing 2.5 hours of moderate exercise a week and eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day are the keys to taking care of physical and mental health (Illustrative Image Infobae)

Your care team can help you understand what this might mean for you. Follow-up appointments will help you and your doctor get a clearer picture of what is happening. If you’re worried about forgetting to make an appointment, ask your care team or a loved one to call you to remind you.

Instead of being hard on yourself for forgetting, focus on solutions. Try making a list of the things you forget the most, then find a solution for each one that can help simplify your life.

Can’t find your keys, wallet and glasses? Choose a designated place for all your important and easy-to-lose things. Forgot your last electricity bill? Set up automatic payments. Did you miss plans with friends? Set reminders on your phone or computer. Or ask your friend to remind you a couple of hours before. Anything that reduces stress and makes your life easier is worth it.

That means physical and mental health. For your physical health, exercise habits are even more important than usual when you have MCI. Regular exercise has been shown to benefit the brain. And in one study, adults with MCI who lifted weights two to three times a week improved brain function.

Exercise and a healthy diet are fundamental allies in the fight against cognitive deterioration (Illustrative Image Infobae)

On the mental health side, MCI can come with changes in mood and behavior. You may feel irritable, anxious, aggressive, apathetic, or all of the above. You also have a higher risk of depression. So, keep track and seek help from a mental health professional if a negative mood persists for more than two weeks.

Bottom line: exercise, diet, and sleep have a big impact on your body, brain, and mood. So it’s time to commit to the big three. Work toward these numbers: 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week, 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

You don’t know what’s going to happen, and that’s scary. Focusing on the things that are most important to you in life can calm fear and provide a sense of purpose and meaning. Spending time with loved ones, being in nature, making art, or volunteering are all good ways to nourish yourself.

Although there is currently no evidence that these activities can prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease, a sense of meaning could make a real difference in your quality of life and daily happiness. And that is worth investing in.

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