Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among the elderly had been previously viewed as relatively benign, however now experts believe it should not be viewed as a normal part of the aging process, but rather as the beginning of a far more serious disease process. A recent study found that even minor loss of cognitive function appears to be an indicator of one or both of the neurologic diseases Alzheimer's or cerebral vascular disease.

In the study, which involved following subjects until they developed mild cognitive impairment or dementia and then died, participants took tests that measured their memory, language, attention and other cognitive abilities each year. After death, the researchers examined brain tissue from 180 people--37 with mild cognitive impairment, 60 without cognitive impairment and the rest with dementia--and measured the amount of Alzheimer's disease pathology and cerebral infarcts (strokes). It was found that:

• More than half of the 37 people with MCI met pathologic criteria for Alzheimer's disease.
• Close to one-third of those with MCI had cerebral infarcts.
• Less than one-quarter of the participants had neither of the pathologies.
  

On a positive note, researchers found that one-third of those with an average age of 85 did not experience signs of cognitive decline, despite the fact that half of them had significant Alzheimer's disease pathology and close to one-quarter had cerebral vascular disease. Researchers believe these people have a sort of "reserve capacity" that allows them to stay cognitively sharp even though their brains showed signs of disease.

However, the number of people who experience cognitive impairments because of Alzheimer's disease and cerebral vascular disease is likely much larger than estimates show, researchers said.

Neurology March 8, 2005; 64:834-841

Science Daily March 17, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Folks, it is absolutely not "normal" to become forgetful or less mentally sharp as you age. While this is common, it is related far more to the foolish health choices most people make than an artifact of the natural aging process. This study tends to support my view that Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging. As this study shows, not even mild cognitive impairment in seniors should be regarded as merely part of the aging process, as it appears to be a prime indicator of Alzheimer's or cerebral vascular disease. Experts estimate Alzheimer's will affect nearly 8 million people in this country alone by 2030, but now with these findings it seems those estimates may be significantly low. It truly is a looming public health epidemic, but since it is such a difficult disease to treat and there doesn't appear to be a cure in the near future, your best bet to addressing this disease is to take proactive preventive measures that minimize your risk of ever developing it in the first place. Consider these guidelines that will protect your body (and reduce your risk) from the ravages of Alzheimer's without taking a drug: Follow the nutrition plan paying special attention to avoiding sugar Eat plenty of high-quality omega-3 fish oil Avoid most fish and remove mercury Avoid aluminum, such as in antiperspirants, cookware, etc. Exercise for three to five hours per week Eat plenty of vegetables according to your metabolic type Avoid flu vaccinations Try Wild Blueberry IQ, an all-natural, whole fruit softgel made from wild blueberries, which have high anthocyanin and antioxidant content that are known to guard against Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases Eat a nutritious diet based on your body's unique metabolic type Keep your mind active Since worry accelerates your risk of Alzheimer's, learn an effective energy psychology tool like the Emotional Freedom Technique Related Articles: Keep Walking To Fight Dementia Staying in Shape Protects Aging Brain How to Avoid the Coming Alzheimer's Epidemic How to Easily and Inexpensively Blow Away Alzheimer's Disease