Nancy Oriola is the CEO of Aging Life Network where she launches resources for families caring for aging loved ones. As an elder care professional, one of the most common questions Nancy Oriola is asked is the difference between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by impairments in a person’s cognitive skills such as memory and thinking, and functioning skills such as eating, walking, and dressing up. It is also associated with mood and behavioral changes. Dementia is caused by the gradual death of brain cells in important areas of the brain. Because of its cognitive and functional effects, some of the symptoms of dementia include speech problems, memory loss, disorientation, thinking difficulties, and personality changes. There are many different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common.

MCI is not dementia. MCI is a syndrome characterized by a noticeable decrease in cognitive functioning. The decrease, however, is not significant enough to interfere with normal life activities. While dementia affects cognition, behavior, and functionality, MCI only affects cognition. A person with MCI can perform normal activities such as eating and walking. However, research has found that people with MCI are at an increased risk of developing dementia.

With experience in financial planning, business, and social work, Nancy Oriola is the president and CEO of the Aging Life Network, which helps families navigate the care needs of their loved ones as they age. As part of her role, Nancy Oriola helps educate families on the unique challenges of aging, such as understanding the difference between dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

Dementia generally refers to cognitive impairments that cause significant difficulties in one’s everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 80 percent of cases of dementia, but it could also refer to rarer forms like Parkinson’s disease. These more serious disorders tend to get progressively worse over time.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) indicates that there are issues with memory, communication, and other brain functions, but it does not necessarily indicate early signs of a more serious disorder. It does increase the person’s risk of progressing to other disorders, but in some cases, diet and lifestyle changes can slow or reverse MCI.

In some cases, MCI is caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency, depression, or an underactive thyroid. These can be treated medically when the problem is properly diagnosed. A healthy diet including plenty of plant foods, especially dark leafy greens and berries, and limiting saturated fats and meats has been shown to help some people slow cognitive decline. Exercise, which means 30 to 60 minutes of activity that breaks a sweat three to five times a week, can also help support the heart as well as the brain.