Everyone occasionally misplaces keys or forgets a name. But if your loved one is losing things more than usual or getting lost in familiar places, it could point to mild cognitive impairment or early signs of dementia.
If you notice changes in your loved one’s thinking abilities, a healthcare provider can explore whether it’s normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or something else.
At Kensington Senior Living, we talk to many families who are afraid to go to the doctor because they fear they’ll receive a life-changing diagnosis. However, knowing the diagnosis lets you make informed decisions about their future care.
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when someone has noticeable changes in their thinking abilities, but not severe enough to affect their daily activities. It isn’t the same thing as dementia. Having mild cognitive impairment also doesn’t mean your loved one will get dementia.
A recent study by the Alzheimer’s Association found that about one-third of people with mild cognitive impairment eventually get Alzheimer’s. That also means two-thirds don’t.
Some people with mild cognitive impairment get better because the cause is something treatable, such as depression, medication side effects, or sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment
If you notice any of these changes, your loved one may be experiencing mild cognitive impairment:
- Trouble keeping up with conversations
- Trouble following plots in books or on television
- Struggling to find the right word during conversations
- Difficulty making decisions
- Losing their train of thought more often
- Forgetting to go to appointments or events
Our team members often hear from families who see concerning changes in their loved ones and are worried about what they mean for the future.
We’re here to guide what to expect and help you plan your loved one’s future care with peace of mind.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a progressive condition that causes changes in thinking abilities, severe enough to affect daily activities. Dementia can affect memory, the ability to judge time and space, decision-making, language, and movement.
There are several types, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Parkinson’s dementia
In early-stage dementia, a person may lose the ability to work, drive, or manage their money. After a while, they lose the ability care for basic needs and interact with others.
Mild Cognitive Impairment vs. Dementia: Which One Is It?
The main differences between mild cognitive impairment and dementia are how they affect daily life and the long-term outcomes. Mild cognitive impairment is less severe than dementia.
| Aspect | Mild Cognitive Impairment | Dementia |
| Independence | Can do most daily tasks without help | Need 24-hour help over time |
| Memory Changes | Noticeable, but without disrupting everyday life | Significant, affects daily functioning |
| Severity | Mild | Moderate to severe |
| Awareness | Usually aware of the memory problems | May not recognize or remember struggles |
| Progression | May stay stable, improve, or progress to dementia | Gets worse over time |
| Safety | Usually safe living alone | Unsafe living alone |
| Social Functioning | Can maintain relationships and conversations | May withdraw or struggle with social interactions |
| Decision-making | Can make decisions | Lose ability to make decisions |
| Causes | Medication side effects or underlying health conditions | Changes in the brain |
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re noticing consistent changes in your loved one’s memory or thinking, it’s time to go see the doctor. Many families we talk to at Kensington Senior Living feel anxious about going to the doctor because they’re afraid the news will be hard to take.
We understand the difficult feelings; however, early intervention for potential conditions allows treatment to begin sooner rather than later.
If it is dementia, knowing the truth allows you to start planning for the future sooner. You’ll have time to look for the best options as a family.
Our team is always ready to give you a tour of our memory care neighborhoods and to go over your options.
How Early Memory Care Supports Families
Early memory care allows your loved one to live their best life in a supportive setting where they’ll find purpose and joy. Our team is specially trained to provide every resident with a calm environment and individualized care.
If your loved one’s condition progresses, they won’t have to move to an unfamiliar place. Our memory care neighborhoods provide specialized care for all stages of cognitive impairments and dementia.
Your family will have peace of mind knowing your loved one can age in place without ever having to leave a familiar environment they love. You’ll find the following neighborhoods at all of our communities:
- Connections for mid-stage memory loss
- Haven for later-stage memory loss
Two of our communities, the Kensington Reston and Kensington Park, also offer Kensington Club, a memory care community for people in the early stages of dementia.
When you choose Kensington Senior Living, Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Finding the Right Care at Kensington
We’re here to support your family through every stage of this journey. We can answer your questions about mild cognitive impairment vs. dementia and help you build a plan that gives your entire family peace of mind.
Common Questions About MCI and Dementia
No, not always. Some people with MCI stay stable for years. Others see symptoms improve. However, MCI does increase dementia risk, so early monitoring and support matter.
Early signs include forgetting recent conversations, struggling with familiar tasks, getting lost in familiar places, and difficulty managing money or medications. Trust your instincts if something feels off.
Yes. Staying physically active, eating well, staying socially connected, and keeping the mind engaged can all support brain health. Our memory care programs include these activities as part of daily routines.
The Kensington Club serves residents with mild cognitive changes who need gentle support but want to maintain independence. It’s available at Kensington Park and The Kensington Reston for assisted living residents.
Consider memory care when cognitive changes affect safety, daily routines, or quality of life. Many families find that specialized support provides peace of mind and helps loved ones thrive.