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What explains variations in the clinical use of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a diagnostic category?

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Tiago Moreira, Professor Julian Hughes, Emeritus Professor Thomas Kirkwood, Professor Carl May, Professor Ian McKeith, Professor John Bond

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Abstract

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is proposed to describe the transitional stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia. It has had significant impact in the field of dementia research, but it remains controversial whether or not it should be used as a diagnostic category in clinical practice. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with international experts (N = 37) in the field of dementia research and practice. These interviews explored the advantages and difficulties of using MCI as a clinical diagnosis. Results: There is wide variation in the clinical use of MCI. This variation depends on institutional factors and two types of cultural factors: (a) clinical culture, and (b) the "evidential culture" - how research and guidelines figure in clinical practice. Conclusion: The study shows the importance of combining values-based practice with evidence-based practice in the early diagnosis of dementia. © 2008 International Psychogeriatric Association.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Moreira T, Hughes JC, Kirkwood TBL, May CR, McKeith IG, Bond J

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Psychogeriatrics

Year: 2008

Volume: 20

Issue: 4

Pages: 697-709

Print publication date: 01/08/2008

ISSN (print): 1041-6102

ISSN (electronic): 1741-203X

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1041610208007126

DOI: 10.1017/S1041610208007126

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