About 57 million people worldwide live with dementia (WHO), including roughly 7–8 in 100 Indians aged 60 and above (LASI-DAD study). A neuropsychological assessment measures exactly which thinking skills are affected — helping doctors diagnose early and helping us plan rehabilitation.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (Early Memory Problems)
Forgetting names, repeating questions, misplacing keys more often than before — and wondering, "Is this just age?" Mild cognitive impairment (ICD-11 6D71) is a noticeable decline in memory or thinking that is more than normal ageing, but still allows you to manage daily life independently.
How common is it?
About 15–20 in 100 people over 65. Around 10–15% progress to dementia each year — but many stay stable or improve, especially when a treatable cause is found.
Who is at higher risk?
- People over 60
- High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol
- Depression
- Hearing loss
- Poor sleep or sleep apnoea
- Long-term alcohol use
- Head injury
- Low physical and social activity
Signs & symptoms
Forgetting recent conversations or appointments, losing track of thoughts, word-finding difficulty, slower thinking, difficulty with complex tasks like managing bills.
What causes it?
Early Alzheimer's or blood-vessel changes in the brain, depression, thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, medicines, poor sleep.
How to know if you are struggling — you may relate if…
- I walk into a room and forget why — every day now.
- My family says I keep asking the same question.
How Mind Detox Centre helps
A detailed memory and neuropsychological assessment (memory, attention, Stroop and executive tests, or a full NIMHANS or PGI battery) to set a baseline and look for reversible causes, followed by cognitive retraining for memory, attention and planning, treatment of stress or depression, and yearly re-testing.
Frequently asked questions
Is memory loss a normal part of ageing?
Mild slowing is normal; forgetting recent events regularly, getting lost or struggling with daily tasks is not, and should be assessed.
What is a neuropsychological test?
A set of standardised paper-and-pencil or computer tasks that measure memory, attention, language, planning and reasoning, usually taking 1–3 hours.
Can dementia be prevented?
Not always, but controlling blood pressure, diabetes and hearing loss, staying active, and avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol can reduce risk significantly.