Table one: The five criteria for MCI due to AD
1) Concern regarding change in cognition: This infor­mation should be compared with previous levels of functioning and obtained from the patient, a reliable informant, and/or clinical observation.
2) Impairment in one or more cognitive domains that is greater than expected for the patient’s age and educa­tional background: These features include memory, executive function, attention, language, and visuospatial skills. Impairment in the ability to learn and retain informa­tion (episodic memory) is more common in MCI patients who progress to AD dementia than in MCI patients who do not progress to AD dementia.
3) Preservation of independence in functional abilities: A patient with MCI has the functional ability to perform complex tasks, such as paying bills, preparing meals, or shopping, but demonstrates mild difficulties. For example, the person takes more time to perform these tasks, shows a decrease in efficiency, and/or has an increase in errors.
4) Failure to meet the criteria for dementia: The decline in cognitive abilities must be mild, with evidence of intraindividual change, and pose no significant social or occupational impairment.
5) Etiology of MCI is consistent with AD pathophysi­ologic process: For a patient to fulfill the 2011 core criteria for MCI other systemic causes, medical condi­tions, or neurologic diseases must be ruled out.
Table 1: The five criteria for MCI due to AD.