Definition:
According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) the criteria for being diagnosed with Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (formerly Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)) are:
1. Evidence of modest cognitive decline from a previous level of performance in one or more cognitive domains — such as complex attention, executive function, learning, memory, language, perceptual-motor or social cognition.
This evidence should consist of:
- Concern of the individual, a knowledgeable informant (such as a friend or family member), or the clinician that there’s been a mild decline in cognitive function; and
- A modest impairment in cognitive performance, preferably documented by standardized neuropsychological testing. Of if neuropsychological testing isn’t available, another type of qualified assessment.
2. The cognitive deficits do not interfere with capacity for independence in everyday activities (e.g., complex instrumental activities of daily living such as paying bills or managing medications are preserved, but greater effort, compensatory strategies, or accommodation may be required).
3. The cognitive deficits don’t occur exclusively in context of delirium, and are not better explained by another mental disorder. It would then be specified if the disorder is caused by Alzheimer's Disease, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and/or other ailments.