Mild cognitive impairment 'treatable' with regular exercise, say experts

Physically and mentally active'

The guideline says that while that there is no evidence that approved drugs or dietary changes can treat MCI, patients "should be physically and mentally active" and ought to undergo regular checks for symptoms of dementia.

"Because MCI may progress to dementia," says lead guideline author and Fellow of the AAN Dr. Ronald C. Petersen, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, "it is particularly important that MCI is diagnosed early."

He also explains that sometimes, symptoms that may present similar to MCI are due to other treatable causes, such as depression, the side effects of medication, or disturbed sleep.

"It is important to meet with your doctor to determine the root cause," he urges, adding, "Early action may keep memory problems from getting worse."

The new guideline says that clinicians should recommend that people with MCI engage in regular exercise as part of an overall program for managing their symptoms. Studies that have followed people with MCI for 6 months have demonstrated that exercising twice per week can improve memory.