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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Concerns about memory, word-finding, or other cognitive (mental function) problems are common among older adults. A mild cognitive problem is different from dementia, however, because dementia is diagnosed only when both memory and another cognitive function are each affected severely enough to interfere with a person's ability to carry out routine daily activities. Dementia is much more severe than a mild memory problem such as difficulty recalling names. The October 1, 2008, issue of JAMA includes an article about mild cognitive impairment.

SOME CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

• Some cognitive faculties decrease with normal aging but not enough to significantly impact daily activities.
  
• Early Alzheimer disease
  
• Silent or recognized strokes—which can progress to vascular dementia
  
• Brain injury
  
• Brain tumors
  
• Delirium (confusion and agitation often due to illness or medication effects)
  
• Central nervous system infections
  
• Major surgeries such as open heart surgery
  
• Excessive use of alcohol or other drugs
  

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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