Symptom 2. Difficulty with Complex Tasks: An Overlooked Sign of MCI
The second symptom of MCI we need to address is the difficulty in performing complex tasks. As people age, it’s not uncommon to experience a slight reduction in the ability to carry out tasks that require intense concentration. However, if these tasks become overwhelmingly challenging or time-consuming, it could be a sign of mild cognitive impairment.
In the early stages of MCI, individuals may start having trouble with tasks that were previously done with ease. For example, managing finances, following a recipe with multiple steps, or remembering the rules of a game that they’ve played regularly.
It can start with minor mishaps, but gradually, they may need to expend more effort and time than before to accomplish these tasks. They may also begin to avoid activities that they once found enjoyable because of the increased difficulty.
It’s important to note that this symptom does not mean that people with MCI cannot perform these tasks at all. They still retain the capacity to do so, but it may take them longer and it may require a higher level of concentration. At times, they might need help with parts of the task that they could previously do independently.
Challenges with complex tasks also extend to problems with planning and organizing. Someone with MCI might struggle to follow a plan, even one they’ve created themselves. The act of planning an event or managing a schedule can become a significant struggle due to the cognitive demands these activities require.
This decreased ability to plan and organize is often due to issues with “executive function”, a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. When these cognitive functions start to wane, it can be a telltale sign of MCI. (2)
