In MCI, there is a level of cognitive and/or memory impairment beyond that expected for normal aging but not sufficiently advanced to be called "dementia" or "Alzheimer's disease". MCI is an important risk factor for the disease, although patients with MCI may never develop Alzheimer's, and some may even revert to normal cognitive function. As researchers believe that abnormal changes in the brain may begin as early as 5-10 years before there are signs of Alzheimer's disease, brain imaging may make it possible to detect the most at-risk individuals with MCI. Research into the progression of MCI is ongoing.
