The factors that can cause poor memory and thinking skills but are unrelated to dementia (e.g., medications, alcohol, poor sleep, and head injuries) are first ruled out with a medical history. The subsequent diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment involves several steps. Cognitive, neurological, and physical function tests are used to confirm poor memory and thinking skills and to identify problems with movement, coordination, and balance. Additional diagnostic tests may also be used to identify possible causes. For example, brain imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) can detect abnormalities in brain structure, while biochemical tests can detect abnormalities in tau and beta-amyloid protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).[1][2][3][4]
How is mild cognitive impairment diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Mild cognitive impairment is diagnosed by first ruling out unrelated factors that affect memory and thinking skills via a review of medical history, followed by cognitive, neurological, and physical function tests. Additional diagnostic tests, such as brain imaging and biochemical tests, may be used to identify the underlying causes.