Understandings of mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a survey study of public and professional perspectives

Purpose: This paper reports the findings of a survey study exploring perceptions about cognitive impairment. These findings are relevant to public health campaigns and education programmes.

Design/methodology/approach: A survey exploring respondents views and knowledge about MCI was circulated via UK networks. 417 respondents completed the survey, including people living with cognitive impairment (n=10), care partners (n=23), older adults (n=83), younger adults (n=83), general healthcare professionals (n=96), dementia specialist healthcare professionals (n=48), and dementia specialists (n=40).

Findings: Respondents were more confident in their knowledge about dementia than cognitive impairment but wanted more information about both conditions. Younger adults were uncertain about many aspects of MCI, and were the most likely to view MCI as a normal part of ageing. Diet (45.1%, n=188) and personal behaviour (63.8%, n=266) were the least endorsed possible causes of MCI, suggesting a lack of awareness of lifestyle choices as risk factors for MCI.

Originality: The results highlight the need to provide education and awareness raising about MCI to enable people to seek help in a timely manner and be able to make informed lifestyle choices which may reduce their risk of MCI and dementia. Implementing education about MCI and dementia in schools is a key target as younger people were the most uncertain or misinformed about these topics. It is clear that further public health initiatives around MCI are both warranted and welcomed by the general public.