title: Diagnosing early cognitive decline-When, how and for whom?
abstract: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a term used to describe cognitive impairment in one or more cognitive domains that is greater than any expected age-related changes, but not of the magnitude to warrant a diagnosis of dementia. This review considers how early cognitive decline is diagnosed, focusing on the use of neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging, as well as the differential diagnosis. Potential treatments, including secondary prevention, post-diagnostic support and self-help are discussed. Finally, medico-legal matters such as driving, lasting power of attorney and employment are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Centre for the Health of the Elderly, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK.
authors.forename: Charlotte L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Behrman
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK. Electronic address: klaus.ebmeier@psych.ox.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Klaus P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Ebmeier
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
authors.forename: Vyara
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Valkanova
mesh_terms: D016223:Advance Directives; D000367:Age Factors; D001334:Automobile Driving; D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D059906:Neuroimaging; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D055502:Secondary Prevention
keywords: Assessment; Dementia; Driving; Mild cognitive impairment; Neuroimaging; Neuropsychology; Treatment