In 2015, dementia affected 50 million people worldwide, and this number is projected to rise to 152 million by 2050 (WHO, 2019). Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is often seen as an intermediate stage between healthy cognitive aging and dementia. Given the growing population affected by dementia, it is crucial to understand the onset of MCI, its progression to dementia, and the interventions that can prevent or slow down neurodegeneration.

The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight the latest advancements in the study of MCI and cognitive aging globally, showcasing the high-quality work of internationally recognized researchers. Several critical questions need to be addressed to enhance our understanding of the relationship between MCI and cognitive aging. These include: identifying which cognitive processes are most sensitive to aging and becoming impaired; determining which interventions are effective for preserving
cognitive functioning in old age; understanding the importance of genetics and environmental factors in determining the risk for MCI, and identifying useful interventions to preserve cognitive functioning in old age and in early onset neurological illness. Additionally, it is important to explore what compensatory
mechanisms can enhance cognitive functioning and support healthy aging, how psychological well-being affects cognitive functioning, and which clinical subgroups may have an increased risk of developing MCI.

We seek empirical contributions using diverse methodologies, including behavioral, computational, and neuroscience approaches in both human and animal models. We also welcome theoretical contributions that offer detailed discussions of models or mechanisms explaining the relationship between MCI and cognitive aging. We aim to provide a platform for new contributions that present a state-of-the-art overview of approaches that cover the fields of MCI and aging. We hope this Research Topic will stimulate meaningful discussion and open new avenues for enhancing the existing insight into MCI and
cognitive aging. We hope this Research Topic will stimulate meaningful discussion and open new avenues for improving the existing insights into MCI and cognitive aging.

We welcome authors to address, but are not limited to, the following:
- Criteria for diagnosing MCI and differentiation between MCI and early-stage dementia
- Biomarkers for early detection
- Global and regional prevalence of MCI, including demographic factors influencing MCI rates
- Genetic predispositions, lifestyle and environmental influences, and comorbidities impacting
cognitive decline
- Brain imaging and structural changes, neurotransmitter and synaptic alterations, inflammatory
processes, and oxidative stress
- Memory, attention, executive function deficits, language and visuospatial impairments, and
social cognition impairments
- Pharmacological treatments, cognitive training and rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications
(diet, exercise, social engagement)
- Cognitive reserve and brain plasticity, and psychological and social factors promoting resilience
- Impact of mental health on cognitive aging, and interventions to improve psychological well-being in older adults
- Identification of subgroups within MCI populations, and tailored interventions for different
subgroups

We encourage contributions that address these topics through various methodological approaches, aiming to advance the understanding and management of MCI and cognitive aging.

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Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience

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