Evolution of cognitive deficit: mild and moderate cognitive impairments
Both mild and moderate cognitive impairments (CIs) that cause no professional and social disadaptation have recently been of interest to physicians and investigators. Epidemiological surveys suggest that CIs not progressing to the manifestations of dementia are noted in the majority of elderly neurological outpatients. Both dementia and non-dementia CIs is a multietiological syndrome; the clinical features of these impairments are therewith determined by their cause. The most sensitive neuropsychological tests, such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test should be used to diagnose non-dementia CIs. Moderate CIs are associated with the high risk of dementia (10—15% yearly). As of now, the generally accepted management protocol for patients with mild and moderate CIs has not worked out. However, drugs with neuroprotective properties are of first-priority in treating CIs, by taking into account the high risk of their progression.