What are the key diagnostic criteria for identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in primary care settings?

Key diagnostic criteria for identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in primary care settings include:

• Taking a detailed history from the person and, if possible, from someone who knows them well, focusing on cognitive, behavioural, and psychological symptoms and their impact on daily life.
• Conducting a physical examination and appropriate blood and urine tests to exclude reversible causes of cognitive decline.
• Using validated brief structured cognitive instruments such as the 10-point cognitive screener (10-CS), 6-item cognitive impairment test (6CIT), 6-item screener, Memory Impairment Screen (MIS), Mini-Cog, or Test Your Memory (TYM) to assess cognitive function.
• Considering supplementary structured informant questionnaires like the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) or the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) to gather collateral information.
• Recognising that a normal score on cognitive testing does not rule out cognitive impairment or dementia.
• Excluding reversible causes such as delirium, depression, sensory impairment, or medication effects before suspecting MCI or dementia.
• Referring to specialist dementia diagnostic services if cognitive impairment persists after initial assessment and reversible causes have been excluded.

These steps help differentiate MCI from normal ageing and dementia, ensuring appropriate diagnosis and management in primary care.

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