Mild cognitive impairment, (MCI), is a condition in which a person has problems with memory, language, recall and other simple activities of daily living which are severe enough to be noticeable to other people.  Often times those affected are frustrated by inabilities to perform otherwise simple things that perhaps a child could easily perform.  Research has shown that individuals with MCI have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease over the next few years, especially when their main problem is memory although not everyone diagnosed with MCI goes on to develop Alzheimer’s.  Although Parkinson’s is a movement disorder, areas involved in the disease are also the areas involved in MCI.  It is therefore not uncommon for patients suffering with MCI to exhibit balance loss, dysequilibrium and thus increased risk for fall.  Because of the overlap of these disorders, when they are recognized early, they can oftentimes be successfully managed with appropriate rehabilitation.  My office has had tremendous success in managing patients with these disorders and the earlier treatment is sought, the better typically the outcome.  End stage disorders invariably involve drug therapy and or live-in care due to overwhelming disability and incapacitation.  Typically at the onset of these disorders, the use of a cane to assist with walking becomes necessary.  This eventually progresses to a walker.  Although this is good for stability, it causes the brain to work even less, thus eventually requiring advancement to a wheel chair.  Due to the lack of gravitational influence from no longer weight bearing upright, this leads to even more rapid deterioration and incapacitation.  Because of the severity of progression associated with these disorders, if you or a loved one seem to fit the general description of MCI, we urge you to consider coming in to see us for a consultation.  We never charge for this service, and, you can also have a free balance test using state of the art computerized dynamic posturography on the same visit.