Longevity & AgingMCI Drug Treatments Show Limited Benefits Despite High Conversion Risk to Dementia
This narrative review examined 25 years of research on pharmacological treatments for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition affecting cognitive function but preserving independence. With annual dementia conversion rates of 5-15%, researchers analyzed conventional cognitive enhancers, disease-modifying therapies, and adjuvant treatments. Most interventions showed limited or inconsistent benefits, with cholinesterase inhibitors providing only small, transient cognitive improvements without preventing dementia progression. The most effective strategies involved optimizing existing medications and managing vascular risk factors rather than adding new drugs.
