American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is required to diagnose Mild Cognitive Impairment?

1. Objective impairment in social functioning

2. Subjective reports of memory problems

3. Family history of dementia

4. Engagement in regular mental exercises

The correct answer is: Subjective reports of memory problems

To diagnose Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), it is essential to identify subjective reports of memory problems. Patients often experience a noticeable decline in cognitive abilities that is greater than expected for their age, and they may recognize these changes themselves. This subjective awareness is a key element since individuals with MCI typically acknowledge that they are experiencing issues with memory or cognitive functions, even if these impairments are not sufficiently severe to interfere significantly with daily life or fulfill the criteria for dementia. While some objective measures and assessments around daily functioning might be utilized in the overall evaluation process, the cornerstone of diagnosing MCI lies in the individual’s own acknowledgment of cognitive decline. This recognition prompts further investigation, testing, and monitoring for progression to dementia or other cognitive disorders. The other options, while they may play a role in a broader context of cognitive health assessment, do not serve as foundational requirements for an MCI diagnosis. Objective impairment in social functioning typically relates more to advanced stages of cognitive decline, family history of dementia may indicate risk but is not diagnostic, and regular mental exercises, while beneficial for cognitive health, do not directly contribute to a formal diagnosis of MCI.