Episode 34: Masterclass: Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, roughly 12% to 18% of people aged 60 or older are living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). This condition represents an early stage of memory loss or decline in other cognitive abilities, such as language or visual/spatial perception, in individuals who still have the capability to carry out most activities of daily living independently. To enhance care outcomes, it is crucial for caregivers and aging services professionals to understand MCI, its hallmarks, and care strategies. 

Join us on our latest ComForConnections podcast Masterclass as we explore the science behind Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)—what it is, how it differs from normal aging and dementia, and the key signs to watch for. We will also examine the progression of MCI, discussing whether and how it changes over time. Additionally, we will provide practical home care strategies that have assisted families and professionals in creating safer, more meaningful, and enjoyable daily experiences for individuals living with MCI and their caregivers.

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Tune in for insights and resources from Heather McKay, PhD, OTR/L, Consulting Occupational Therapist and Dementia Care Specialist, Co-Creator of DementiaWise® - Partnerships for Health.
 
About Heather: 
Dr. Heather McKay is an occupational therapist, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Appalachian State University, and among the country’s leading experts in dementia care and caregiver education. As the founder of Partnerships for Health, a dementia care consulting company based in North Carolina, Dr. McKay’s experience is remarkable for her breadth of clinical work and teaching with blended dementia care teams nationwide. She has collaborated to enhance dementia care training for healthcare professionals, paraprofessionals, and informal caregivers in hospitals, long-term care, non-medical home care, home health, hospice, and community-based programs. In her research with inter-professional partners, Dr. McKay focuses on creating and testing theory-driven, team-centered interventions that improve life for people living with the disease and their myriad caregivers throughout the progression of the disease across various care environments. Some of her latest work in dementia workforce development was recently published in The Gerontologist, as well as occupational therapy journals in the US, Canada, and Scandinavia.

Episode Notes:

• The science behind Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
• Hallmarks of MCI
• Effective home care strategies
• Situations and activities to avoid for better care support

Episode Resources:

• DementiaWise® – ComForCare
• Alzheimer’s Care – ComForCare
• ComForCare.com
• Partnerships for Health 
• Alzheimer’s Association Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 
• What is Mild Cognitive Impairment? – National Institute of Aging
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – Mayo Clinic 
• Alzheimer’s Association Best Practices for Person-Centered Dementia Care

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