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Recognizing Functional Decline in Persons with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)

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Date Issued:
2015
Summary:
Although not all persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) go on to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD), MCI is recognized as an early stage of AD. The effects of AD are devastating to all concerned. Research has identified that recognition of AD in its earliest stages and institution of known treatment modalities can forestall the ultimate outcome. Identification of the first subtle signs of MCI can assist in the recognition of this prodromal phase, and allow for institution of therapy while still in the initial stages. Unfortunately, the development of MCI is insidious in nature, thus making it difficult to detect. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of functional decline that occur in MCI in an effort to improve its early identification. A mixed-methods design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Fifty-three participants with memory complaints were interviewed using a semi structured interview technique with open-ended questions, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and a list of eighty-five items previously identified as indicative of functional decline. Twenty-nine persons were divided into two groups: 1) those identified as probable MCI (consensus diagnosis) (n=15) and possible MCI (based on screening examination) (n=14) and 2) those identified as Normal (no cognitive impairment) (n=10), and their subjective functional deficits compared. The findings suggest that there were certain areas of functional decline more commonly experienced by persons in the MCI group than by unimpaired. These include difficulty recalling details of information and forgetting conversations. There were also other changes identified, such as adaptations on the part of persons with MCI (an increased dependence on memory aids, for example, lists and calendars) and a dec rease in social activities leading to an increase in social isolation. Additionally identified were functional activities that appear to remain intact in persons with early MCI. This study highlights the subtlety with which MCI assaults the functional abilities of individuals, thus making its early identification problematic. The results of this study will contribute by providing information that will help professionals who are assessing persons experiencing memory issues for the possible presence of MCI. Additionally, it is hoped that these findings will assist in the development of a measurement tool designed to assess for possible MCI.
Title: Recognizing Functional Decline in Persons with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment).
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Name(s): Powers-Jarvis, Robin Story, author
Tappen, Ruth M., Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2015
Date Issued: 2015
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 192 p.
Language(s): English
Summary: Although not all persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) go on to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD), MCI is recognized as an early stage of AD. The effects of AD are devastating to all concerned. Research has identified that recognition of AD in its earliest stages and institution of known treatment modalities can forestall the ultimate outcome. Identification of the first subtle signs of MCI can assist in the recognition of this prodromal phase, and allow for institution of therapy while still in the initial stages. Unfortunately, the development of MCI is insidious in nature, thus making it difficult to detect. The purpose of this study was to identify areas of functional decline that occur in MCI in an effort to improve its early identification. A mixed-methods design that combined qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Fifty-three participants with memory complaints were interviewed using a semi structured interview technique with open-ended questions, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and a list of eighty-five items previously identified as indicative of functional decline. Twenty-nine persons were divided into two groups: 1) those identified as probable MCI (consensus diagnosis) (n=15) and possible MCI (based on screening examination) (n=14) and 2) those identified as Normal (no cognitive impairment) (n=10), and their subjective functional deficits compared. The findings suggest that there were certain areas of functional decline more commonly experienced by persons in the MCI group than by unimpaired. These include difficulty recalling details of information and forgetting conversations. There were also other changes identified, such as adaptations on the part of persons with MCI (an increased dependence on memory aids, for example, lists and calendars) and a dec rease in social activities leading to an increase in social isolation. Additionally identified were functional activities that appear to remain intact in persons with early MCI. This study highlights the subtlety with which MCI assaults the functional abilities of individuals, thus making its early identification problematic. The results of this study will contribute by providing information that will help professionals who are assessing persons experiencing memory issues for the possible presence of MCI. Additionally, it is hoped that these findings will assist in the development of a measurement tool designed to assess for possible MCI.
Identifier: FA00004536 (IID)
Degree granted: Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Subject(s): Alzheimer's disease -- Diagnosis
Amnestic mild cognitive impairment -- Diagnosis
Dementia -- Diagnosis
Memory disorders in old age -- Diagnosis
Mild cognitive impairment -- Diagnosis
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004536
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
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Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.