Mild cognitive impairment: strategies for coping with diagnosis and achieving emotional well-being

*This content was produced by Mayo Clinic experts exclusively for Infobae

Maybe memory problems have been bothering you for a while. Or perhaps your loved ones noticed changes that prompted a visit to the doctor.

In either case, a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) means a new stage. Find out what's going on in your brain It can provide clarity, but it can also come with… Sadness, anger and fear. It will take a long time to process. You will need to practice being especially kind Your mind and body.

If you have mild cognitive impairment, there are changes in your abilities Thought and memory That exceeds the normal marks for aging. But what it means for you may be different from what it means for someone else with the same diagnosis.

MCI can be a Introduction to Alzheimer's disease And other forms of Dementia. But not everyone with MCI will develop these diseases. Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment can also be caused by pharmaceutical Or certain medical conditions.

Your care team can help you understand what this may mean for you. Follow-up appointments will help you and your doctor get a clearer picture of what's going on. If you're concerned about forgetting to make an appointment, ask your care team or a loved one to call you to remind you.

Instead of being hard on yourself for forgetting, focus on Solution. Try making a list of the things you forget most often, and then find a solution for each that can help simplify your life.

Can't find your keys, wallet and glasses? Choose a designated place for all your important and easily lost items. Did you forget your last electricity bill? Set up automatic payments. Did you miss plans with friends? Initialization reminder On your phone or computer. Or ask your friend to remind you two hours ago. Anything that reduces stress and makes your life easier is worth it.

This means physical and mental health. for you Physical healthExercise habits are more important than usual when you have mild cognitive impairment. Regular exercise has been shown to help brain. In one study, brain function improved in adults with mild cognitive impairment who lifted weights two to three times a week.

on the side Healthy mintFor, MCI may be accompanied by changes in condition Mood and behavior. You may feel angry, anxious, aggressive, apathetic, or all of the above. You have too Increased risk of depression. So, move on and seek help from a mental health professional if a negative mood persists for more than two weeks.

Briefly: Exercise, diet and sleep They have a huge impact on the body, mind and mood. So it's time to stick to the big three. Work on these numbers: 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week, 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.

You don't know what's going to happen, that gives He is afraid. Focusing on the things that are most important to you in life can calm fear and give you a sense of purpose and meaning. Spending time with loved ones, being present natureDo art also Volunteering All are good ways to feed yourself.

Although there is currently no evidence that these activities can prevent or slow Alzheimer's disease, a sense of meaning can make a real difference in your life. Quality of life and happiness Daily. This is worth investing in.