People with MCI do have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's (or other types of dementia) but not all people get worse and some actually get better. Doctors are not yet able to tell what the outcome of MCI will be or what the underlying cause is.
The risk factors are the same as those for dementia: getting older, family history of dementia, and risk of cardiovascular disease. Some studies suggest that the following strategies may help slow the decline of thinking skills:
- Exercise
- Control cardiovascular risk factors
- Participate in mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities
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