Treatments

In the UK, there are currently no specific treatments for MCI. There are some medicines available to help with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, but these have not been shown to help people with MCI yet.

As some people with MCI may be in the early stages of a disease like Alzheimer’s, researchers are keen to find out whether possible new treatments work in people with MCI. People with MCI can play a crucial role in finding treatments to slow down dementia.

To find out more about taking part in clinical trials or other research studies, visit joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk or call Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Dementia Research Infoline on 0300 111 5 111.

For people where the underlying cause of MCI is a treatable condition, like a thyroid disorder or vitamin deficiency, their doctor may prescribe treatments to manage the condition. Some people find this can improve their symptoms. The doctor may also treat any other conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure that could make the symptoms of MCI worse.

Research is being carried out into non-drug treatments for MCI, such as memory training and computer-based brain training. So far, the results have been mixed. Also being investigated are exercise and diet changes, which may reduce a person’s risk of going on to develop dementia.

The doctor may be able to suggest practical tips to help manage symptoms, like keeping a calendar or diary. They might also suggest ways to keep physically and mentally active, such as regular exercise which is important to keep our brains healthy.