Self-initiated health behaviors following a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the health-related activities that individuals self-initiate after being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Fifty-three people with MCI were queried regarding health-related activity changes made as a direct result of the MCI diagnosis, excluding activities that they were performing prior to their diagnosis or that were formally recommended by a clinician. Qualitative description was used to analyze responses. Most (62%) participants reported initiating one or more health-related activities. The activities fell into three distinct categories: behaviors that were symptom driven (e.g., cognitive exercises), health promoting (e.g., dietary changes), or general increases in activity level. Activities reported by this sample encompassed many practices for which evidence of a potential impact on the clinical course of MCI is limited. However, these findings provide insight into the kinds of interventions that may be most attractive to those living with an MCI diagnosis. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.