mild cognitive impairment

American  

[mahyld kog-ni-tiv im-pair-muhnt] / ˈmaɪld ˈkɒg nɪ tɪv ɪmˈpɛər mənt /

noun

1. a stage of cognitive decline, characterized by certain diminished mental abilities, as memory and concentration, but not to an extent that affects daily functioning. MCI

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Etymology

Origin of mild cognitive impairment

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The mild cognitive impairment that Poulsen was diagnosed with in 2019 progressed to Alzheimer’s disease.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

In men, the brain showed more shrinkage earlier in the disease’s progression — from normal cognitive health to mild cognitive impairment.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

She went on short-term disability and was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

If the cause of the mild cognitive impairment is neurodegenerative disease, though, that tends to be the start of progressive decline, says Stephen Gomperts, a neurologist who specializes in dementia at Massachusetts General Hospital.

From Slate • Jan. 26, 2026

Using a specially designed analysis tool, scientists at Brown University have identified a brain-based biomarker that may help predict whether mild cognitive impairment will progress into Alzheimer's disease.

From Science Daily • Jan. 12, 2026