4 - Mild Cognitive Impairment

Summary

This chapter examines mild cognitive impairment (MCI), including its epidemiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, prognosis, and cognitive profile. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are primarily concerned with speech, language, hearing, voice, fluency, and swallowing in adults with neurodegenerative disorders and how each of these functions may be compromised by cognitive impairment. These aspects of communication are addressed at length in the language and communication profile of MCI. Language is examined under the following levels: phonology; morphology and syntax; vocabulary and semantics; and pragmatics and discourse.Speech-language pathologists must assess and treat clients with MCI. The techniques and approaches they employ in their work are addressed under speech-language pathology management.