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Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment

How to maximize brain health and reduce the risk of dementia

Health
The Health Benefits of Socializing

Angela K. Troyer Ph.D., C.Psych. on June 30, 2016

Connecting with friends can improve your brain health and may even lower your risk of dementia.

Connecting with friends can improve your brain health and may even lower your risk of dementia.

Memory
Using Good Memory Habits to Boost Your Memory

Angela K. Troyer Ph.D., C.Psych. on August 31, 2015

We all make memory mistakes from time to time. In this posting, we talk about a strategy to help with common memory problems, a strategy that is a lot like Grandma’s advice … a pearl of wisdom based not so much on hard scientific evidence but proven through years of experience.

We all make memory mistakes from time to time. In this posting, we talk about a strategy to help with common memory problems, a strategy that is a lot like Grandma’s advice … a pearl of wisdom based not so much on hard scientific evidence but proven through years of experience.

Health
18 Ways to Add Oomph to Your Everyday Activities

Nicole D. Anderson Ph.D., C.Psych. on March 13, 2015

Physical exercise has many brain health benefits, and reduces the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. But you don’t have to hit the gym to get your heart pumping! Here are 18 ways to add umph to your everyday activities.

Physical exercise has many brain health benefits, and reduces the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. But you don’t have to hit the gym to get your heart pumping! Here are 18 ways to add umph to your everyday activities.

Memory
Gauging Your Brain Health

Angela K. Troyer Ph.D., C.Psych. on December 18, 2014

A diagnosis of MCI requires a full work up from your doctor and may include seeing other specialists. Before that, though, how do you know if you should see your doctor for an assessment? Everyone notices some changes in memory as they grow older, so how do you know whether your changes are “normal” or the sign of something else?

A diagnosis of MCI requires a full work up from your doctor and may include seeing other specialists. Before that, though, how do you know if you should see your doctor for an assessment? Everyone notices some changes in memory as they grow older, so how do you know whether your changes are “normal” or the sign of something else?

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Use It or Lose It

Kelly J. Murphy Ph.D., C.Psych. on November 25, 2014

Many of us are interested in sustaining or improving our mental fitness and staving off cognitive decline as we age. The brain game industry has capitalized on this interest by marketing products that promise to do just that. Recently the Stanford Center on Longevity posted an open letter that has cast serious doubts on such claims.

Many of us are interested in sustaining or improving our mental fitness and staving off cognitive decline as we age. The brain game industry has capitalized on this interest by marketing products that promise to do just that. Recently the Stanford Center on Longevity posted an open letter that has cast serious doubts on such claims.

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Five Risk Factors for MCI

Nicole D. Anderson Ph.D., C.Psych. on September 15, 2014

If your mother had dementia, you didn’t finish high school, and you have metabolic risk factors and battle with depression, does that mean you are certain to develop MCI?

If your mother had dementia, you didn’t finish high school, and you have metabolic risk factors and battle with depression, does that mean you are certain to develop MCI?

Play
6 Ways to Engage Your Brain

Angela K. Troyer Ph.D., C.Psych. on August 14, 2014

Looking for ways to maximize your brain health and have fun doing it? One great way is to find leisure activities that challenge and engage you, and to participate in them often. In this posting, we share 6 ways that you can engage your brain.

Looking for ways to maximize your brain health and have fun doing it? One great way is to find leisure activities that challenge and engage you, and to participate in them often. In this posting, we share 6 ways that you can engage your brain.

Mild Cognitive Impairment
MCI is a Family Affair

Kelly J. Murphy Ph.D., C.Psych. on June 25, 2014

If you are a close family member or friend of someone experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) then you have likely noticed that your life has been influenced by the cognitive changes the person with MCI has experienced. In this blog some approaches are outlined to help you cope with the personal impacts of these changes.

If you are a close family member or friend of someone experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) then you have likely noticed that your life has been influenced by the cognitive changes the person with MCI has experienced. In this blog some approaches are outlined to help you cope with the personal impacts of these changes.

Dementia
Dementia In Your Blood?

Nicole D. Anderson Ph.D., C.Psych. on April 28, 2014

If there was a blood test for MCI or dementia, would you get it? Scientists are getting closer to being able to predict who is likely to develop MCI or dementia from a simple blood test, but given that we are still waiting for a cure, what would you do with that information? Here we discuss the pros and cons of predictive tests of MCI and dementia.

If there was a blood test for MCI or dementia, would you get it? Scientists are getting closer to being able to predict who is likely to develop MCI or dementia from a simple blood test, but given that we are still waiting for a cure, what would you do with that information? Here we discuss the pros and cons of predictive tests of MCI and dementia.

Memory
Spaced Repetition

Angela K. Troyer Ph.D., C.Psych. on March 31, 2014

Have you ever been introduced to someone new, been drawn into the conversation, then quickly forgotten his or her name? This is a common experience for many people who are living with MCI, and, really, for just about anyone. In this posting, we share a memory technique that our clients with MCI tell us they find particularly helpful in these types of situations.

Have you ever been introduced to someone new, been drawn into the conversation, then quickly forgotten his or her name? This is a common experience for many people who are living with MCI, and, really, for just about anyone. In this posting, we share a memory technique that our clients with MCI tell us they find particularly helpful in these types of situations.

Memory
Good Hearing May Improve Your Memory and Your Social Life

Kelly J. Murphy Ph.D., C.Psych. on November 6, 2013

If you suspect you may have hearing loss get your hearing checked and, if necessary, get fitted for a hearing aid AND USE IT. Why? Because improving your hearing will: a) free up mental resources to improve your memory capacity; AND b) improve your ability to hear and interact with others in conversation.

If you suspect you may have hearing loss get your hearing checked and, if necessary, get fitted for a hearing aid AND USE IT. Why? Because improving your hearing will: a) free up mental resources to improve your memory capacity; AND b) improve your ability to hear and interact with others in conversation.

Mild Cognitive Impairment
What's in a Name?

Angela K. Troyer Ph.D., C.Psych. on June 24, 2013

Changes are coming to the name and definition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but is MCI by any other name still MCI?

Changes are coming to the name and definition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but is MCI by any other name still MCI?

Memory
Memory Changes

Angela K. Troyer Ph.D., C.Psych. on January 2, 2013

Many people notice changes in their memory as they grow older. In this posting, find out what types of changes are typical with age and which ones might reflect mild cognitive impairment or other causes for concern.

Many people notice changes in their memory as they grow older. In this posting, find out what types of changes are typical with age and which ones might reflect mild cognitive impairment or other causes for concern.