Is the likelihood of an individual with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) developing dementia greater than that of a healthy aging adult?

The likelihood of an individual with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) developing dementia is indeed greater than that of a healthy aging adult. MCI is often considered a transitional stage between normal cognitive aging and more serious conditions like dementia. Research indicates that individuals with MCI are at heightened risk for progression to dementia compared to those who do not have any cognitive impairment.

This increased risk is significant because MCI can show a range of symptoms that may not be severe enough to interfere markedly with daily life, but it indicates cognitive changes that are greater than expected for a person's age. In contrast, healthy aging typically involves some cognitive decline, but it does not usually lead to the same risk for developing progressive degenerative conditions like dementia.

Other choices may suggest varying conclusions, but the core understanding is that the presence of MCI inherently poses a greater risk for dementia relative to normal aging, reinforcing the importance of monitoring cognitive health and providing appropriate interventions for those diagnosed with MCI.