Most Britons fail to recognise the symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment, poll finds

Mild Cognitive Impairment is the stage between normal ageing and dementia

The poll found only three per cent of the over 55s would go to the doctor if they experienced symptoms (iStock)

Ageing Britons fail to recognise the symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and wouldn't go to the GP if they suffered memory loss, forgetfulness or a decline in decision-making ability.

A study of 2,000 adults revealed only three per cent of the over 55s would go to the doctor if they experienced symptoms despite being at the highest risk of developing the condition.

Instead, more than a quarter consider these symptoms to be a normal part of ageing rather than anything more serious.

It also emerged that more than half know little, or nothing, about MCI – despite the condition being twice as common as dementia.

MCI is a decline in cognitive functioning considered a transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia.

It occurs when the brain has less glucose available as an energy source and leads to memory loss, forgetfulness, and a decline in decision-making ability and judgment.

The research was carried out by Nestlé Health Science, which has created a specialised ketogenic drink that is the first effective nutritional intervention for the condition, signalling a major break-through for mild cognitive impairment that, until now, has had no available treatments.

The study of 2,000 adults also revealed Britons regularly forget to message or call someone back, common words or to go to appointments.

It also emerged that friends' birthdays are missed, with more than a quarter even forgetting a friend's name.

Meanwhile, 46 per cent have completely lost their train of thought mid-sentence, with 23 per cent having left the oven on and one in six have left their keys locked in the house.

More than six in 10 adults have also walked into a room with no recollection why, according to the findings via OnePoll.

Finding milk in the cupboard, getting on the wrong bus or train and finding sunglasses you've been looking for perched on your head were other forgetful things Britons have done.

And while one in six finds this type of behaviour embarrassing, 31 per cent put it down to a “mental lapse” – with 26 per cent believing it to be “no big deal”.

Hans-Juergen Woerle, chief medical and scientific officer for Nestlé Health Science, said: “It’s not uncommon for people to shrug off symptoms of cognitive decline as simply signs of ‘getting older,’ but if you are becoming increasingly forgetful or feel that you are not thinking as clearly as you used to, you should speak to a healthcare professional.

“Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment should be taken seriously".