NR 603 Week 2 Discussion_MCI vs. Dementia - Diagnosis & Management - Case 3

Compare and contrast the diagnostic criteria (assessment findings and diagnostic tests) for your assigned client and diagnoses. Support your response with the most current clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for each diagnosis. Non-contrast CT findings to exclude acute intracranial disease that may elucidate the client's cognitive alterations. He had a score of 26/30 on the MMSE test, which shows mild cognitive impairment, which is different from more serious cognitive illnesses like dementia or delirium. His folate and vitamin B12 are in the normal range, eliminating dietary deficiencies, which are prevalent, reversible factors contributing to cognitive deterioration in older people. The client's recent death of his marriage and diminished social participation may contribute to both cognitive and physical symptoms, warranting consideration in the care treatment plan. Blood testing, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography were the most common ways to find moderate cognitive impairment; however, I wouldn’t order an MRI due to his pacemaker. The MMSE is an important tool for checking this client's cognitive function because he says he has issues remembering things and arranging tasks. The MMSE can help tell the difference between typical cognitive changes that happen with age, mild cognitive impairment, and more severe types of dementia. A non-contrast CT of the head is essential to assess structural abnormalities or indications of a previous TIA or stroke, considering the client's cardiovascular history and presenting symptoms (Yan et al., 2025). It is important to monitor vitamin B12 and folate levels since not getting enough of these vitamins is a common cause of cognitive decline and neurological symptoms in older persons. Blood testing, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography were the most common ways to find moderate cognitive impairment; however, I wouldn’t order an MRI due to his pacemaker. Compare and contrast the evidence-based management of each assigned diagnosis, including similarities and differences in pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment, client education, referral, and follow-up care. Consider how the client’s unique past medical history and social history impact care decisions. With MCI, treatment would be mostly non-pharmacological treatment such as lifestyle changes, healthy diet, exercise, and social activities. Also, References Chen, G., Zhou, X., Zhu, Y., Shi, W., & Kong, L. (2023). Gut microbiome characteristics in subjective cognitive decline, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Neurology, 30(11), 3568–3580. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1111/ene.15961 Rentz, D. M., Aisen, P. S., Atri, A., Hitchcock, J., Irizarry, M., Landen, J., Matthews, B. R., Miller, D. S., Mahinrad, S., Napoli, S., Okhravi, H. R., Petersen, R. C., Siemers, E. R., Weber, C. J., Weisman, D. C., & Carrillo, M. C. (2024). Benefits and risks of FDA-approved amyloid-targeting antibodies for treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease: Navigating clinician-patient engagement. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 20(11), 8162–8171. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.14199 Tahami Monfared, A., Phan, N., Pearson, I., Mauskopf, J., Cho, M., Zhang, Q., & Hampel, H. (2023). A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for Alzheimer’s disease and strategies for future advancements. Neurology and Therapy, 12(4), 1257–1284. Retrieved September