What’s the difference between Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and age-associated memory impairment & cognitive decline?

AAMCD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are similar in that people with both conditions can still carry out daily tasks while also experiencing difficulties in memory and cognitive function. However, the severity of these difficulties varies between the two.

People with AAMCD experience memory and executive functioning deficits, but their overall functioning is unaffected and is usually self-perceived. They can still perform everyday tasks with ease.

People with MCI experience the same deficits; however, these deficits are more severe, resulting in a mild impact on activities of daily living that they were quickly able to perform. For instance, people may be less efficient at preparing a meal or forgetting to pay a bill.^[1][2]