Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pre-Dementia Syndrome

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a neuropsychological clinical condition regarded as a prodromal stage of dementia, characterized by cognitive decline without significant impairment in daily functioning or autonomy. It represents an intermediate phase between normal cognition and overt dementia. Diagnosis relies on clinical interviews, psychometric evaluations, and radiological and biological biomarkers. During the initial assessment, it is crucial to distinguish between "stable" and "unstable" forms of MCI and to identify factors that increase the risk of progression to dementia. Pharmacological management remains limited, although ongoing clinical trials exploring anti-amyloid therapies offer potential hope. In addition, lifestyle modifications should be encouraged as part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach.