Table 5.

Differentiation of MCI and dementia

MCI	Dementia (DSM-IV Criteria)
Memory complaint, preferably confirmed by   an informant	Impairment in handling complex tasks
Objective memory impairment on standard   neuropsychological batteries assessing   memory (for age and education)	Impairment in reasoning ability
Normal general thinking and reasoning skills	Impaired spatial ability and orientation
Ability to perform normal daily activities	Impaired language
—	The cognitive symptoms must significantly   interfere with the individual’s work   performance, usual social activities, or   relationships with other people
—	This must represent a significant decline from   a previous level of functioning