Cognitive function is not just about memory, but includes language, visuospatial and perceptual ability, thinking and problem-solving, and personality. Changes occur in our cognitive functioning when we age. Thinking and planning take longer and people may need to make lists to remember their daily activities. They may have trouble remembering the names of actors or a particular word. These are normal signs. It is only when these become sufficiently severe to interfere with a person’s ability to complete their daily activities that there is cause for concern.

Mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease

There are two main forms of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease: amnestic and non-amnestic. People with amnestic mild cognitive impairment cannot learn or retain new information. This impairment of episodic memory is not normal and 50 per cent will go on to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Key facts

• 850,000 people in the UK live with dementia – a number that is projected to rise to over one million by 2025
• Some 62 per cent of people with dementia are female, probably due to life expectancy being higher in females 
• Dementia prevalence is linked to age. One in 688 people under 65 have dementia but that rises to one in three in the over-90s
• Self care steps include maintaining physical and mental health by exercising and taking part in socially and mentally stimulating activities.