Cognitive testing (MMSE / CDR / SNSB)
Determining cognitive decline against age- and education-matched norms
Mild Cognitive Impairment
How does mild cognitive impairment differ from dementia?
Source : Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2023 Dementia Epidemiological Survey — reported on KBS 9 O'Clock News, 1 Nov 2025
Mild cognitive impairment is a state in which the ability to live independently is preserved but there is slight difficulty with cognitive functions such as memory. When cognition declines further and independent daily living becomes difficult, that stage is called dementia.
Alzheimer's disease progresses along a continuum from an asymptomatic stage through mild cognitive impairment to dementia, with cognitive decline driven by the accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau protein.
About 10–15% of patients with mild cognitive decline progress to dementia within two years, but some recover normal cognitive function — which is why early detection matters.
In absolute numbers this is 2.67 million people, up 6.2 percentage points from seven years ago, and projected to reach 4.08 million by 2033.
Compared with an annual conversion rate to dementia of 1–2% in older adults generally, the risk over the same year is close to tenfold.
What tests are needed for mild cognitive impairment?
Brain imaging (Brain MRI)
Differential diagnosis across dementias — Alzheimer's, vascular, hydrocephalus, and others
Blood Test
Alzheimer's genetic testing (ApoE genotype), amyloid protein in blood or CSF
University-hospital-grade testing on the same day
We do not begin dementia treatment on the basis of forgetfulness or a low cognitive test score alone. Depression, sleep disorders, thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiency, medication side effects, and cerebrovascular disease can all cause memory decline, so the cause must be identified first. Neurological examination, neuropsychological testing, blood work, and brain MRI establish the degree of cognitive decline and whether another brain disorder is present.
※ This is general medical information provided for understanding only. Actual diagnosis and treatment are determined by a specialist after examination, based on the individual patient's condition.
