By: Catherine Joachin
What is mild neurocognitive disorder?
Mild neurocognitive disorder (MCI) is a condition marked by a slight decline in memory, language and other cognitive abilities (Yale Medicine, n.d.). Although noticeable, these impairments do not impair daily life or autonomy (Yale Medicine, n.d.).
Causes and symptoms
According to the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases, mild neurocognitive disorder can result from a number of underlying causes, including:
- An illness affecting the nervous system (including epilepsy)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Brain infection
- The use of drugs, alcohol or medications
- Metabolic anomalies or exposure to toxins.
However, in some cases, the origin of the condition remains unknown (ICD-11, 2024).
Symptoms of neurocognitive disorder differ in severity but typically include agitation, confusion, and short- and long-term loss of brain function (Mount Sinai, 2024). A key feature of this condition is the presence of one of the following signs:
- Significant decrease in attention
- Mild impairment in executive functioning, language, memory, social cognition, and/or perceptual-motor skills (ICD-11, 2024).
Symptoms such as difficulty completing challenging tasks, anxiety, depression or other behavioral and psychological issues may also be present (ICD-11, 2024).
Diagnosis
Mild neurocognitive disorder can be diagnosed with the help of different exams, such as:
- Blood tests
- Neuropsychological testing
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- CT scan
- MRIs
- Lumbar puncture
(Mount Sinai, 2024)
For a diagnosis to be recognized, poor cognitive performance cannot be attributable to factors such as age or intelligence (ICD-11, 2024). Additionally, impairment cannot hinder independence or a person’s ability to perform everyday activities (ICD-11, 2024).
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause of the disorder, and as a result, options can range from rehabilitation care to medication targeting behavioral and psychological symptoms (Mount Sinai, 2024). Some people fully recover from this condition, while others endure long-term brain dysfunction (Mount Sinai, 2024).
Individuals suffering from mild neurocognitive disorder may go on to develop major neurocognitive disorder, also referred to as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other brain disorders (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Mild neurocognitive disorder and epilepsy
Research has established that people with epilepsy commonly experience cognitive deficits and psychological distress, notably in the form of reduced memory and visual attention (Tang, Kwan & Poon, 2013). The majority of children with epilepsy demonstrate the same level of intellectual functioning as their peers; however, evidence of mild cognitive impairment can be observed throughout academic domains and psychosocial functioning (Kernan et al., 2012.).
Current literature on the relationship between epilepsy and neurocognitive deficits provides conflicting results; however, researchers argue that a combination of factors such as seizure type, frequency and severity could lead to the onset of neurocognitive disorders in people with epilepsy (Novak, Vizjak & Rakusa, 2022).
Conclusion
Mild neurocognitive disorder is a form of cognitive impairment characterized by decreased cognitive performance. This condition can be brought on by a variety of diseases, including epilepsy. While neurocognitive impairments can be observed in individuals with epilepsy (e.g., decline in memory, attention deficits, speech problems), cognitive disorders can be offset by a variety of factors, and thus the link between the two conditions remains inconclusive.
References
International Classification of Diseases. (2024). ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics. https://icd.who.int/browse/2024-01/mms/en#195531803
Kernan, C. L., Asarnow, R., Siddarth, P., Gurbani, S., Lanphier, E. K., Sankar, R., & Caplan, R. (2012). Neurocognitive profiles in children with epilepsy. Epilepsia (Copenhagen), 53(12), 2156–2163. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2012.03706.x
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Mild cognitive impairment – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mild-cognitive-impairment/symptoms-causes/syc-20354578
Mount Sinai Health System. (2024). Neurocognitive disorder. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/neurocognitive-disorder
Novak, A., Vizjak, K., & Rakusa, M. (2022). Cognitive Impairment in People with Epilepsy. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(1), 267. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11010267
Tang, V., Kwan, P., & Poon, W. S. (2013). Neurocognitive and psychological profiles of adult patients with epilepsy in Hong Kong. Epilepsy & Behavior, 29(2), 337–343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.07.027
Yale Medicine. (n.d.). Mild Neurocognitive Disorder. (n.d.). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/clinical-keywords/mild-neurocognitive-disorder
