Forgetfulness About Paperwork, Medicines Might Herald Cognitive Decline, New York State Psychiatric Institute Study Finds

A new study finds that older people with mild cognitive impairment -- sometimes a precursor to Alzheimer's disease -- have a harder time remembering important dates and medications than those without cognitive problems. Mild cognitive impairment can be annoying but it isn't as severe as conditions that significantly disrupt daily life. It can, however, occur before serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and other causes of dementia. Patrick J. Brown of the New York State Psychiatric Institute and his colleagues looked at neurological test results, brain-imaging studies and other data from 229 people with no cognitive problems, 394 with mild cognitive impairment and memory problems, and 193 diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's disease.