November 18 is National Memory Screening Day
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is sponsoring its 6th annual National Memory Screening Day on Tuesday, November 18 by offering free memory screenings at over 2,000 sites across the United States.National Memory Screening Day, which coincides with National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, is designed to promote early detection of memory problems such as Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia as well as early intervention.
The AFA recommends that anyone with memory concerns and/or a family history of Alzheimer's disease, or anyone who wishes to establish a baseline score to be compared with future testing, should take advantage of the free screening. National Memory Screening Day is supported by 22 professional associations, including the American Geriatrics Society and the American Public Health Association.
Interestingly, though, the Alzheimer's Association does not support National Memory Screening Day, stating that the 5-minute screening may cause undue distress to those taking it, even though the screenings do not provide a definitive diagnosis.
There are some cautions and considerations related to memory screenings; for more information, see Six Things You Should Know About Memory Screenings.
If you do decide to participate, click here to find a screening site near you.
Photo © Administration on Aging
Comments
Why isn’t there a site for alzheimers caregivers to ask questions and converse with others on helped with what they are going through?
As early as what age is alzheimers detect. Could it be genetic.
Analys-I am a part of a team at http://www.caring.com which is a resource for those dealng with eldercare issues. There is a very active forum, doctors, tools and more to help caregivers deal with alzheimers as well as other eldercare issues. We encourage you to stop by and look around, I am confident you will find the support and resources to help you get through this difficult time. Jill
Analys,
There’s actually a discussion forum associated with this very website — it can be found by clicking on “Discuss in My Forum” or “My Forum” near the top of this page. It’s an active forum that specifically deals with Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges experienced by caregivers. Please check it out and feel free to post a question or comment — it’s a very welcoming group.
Thanks so much,
Carrie Hill, Ph.D.
About.com Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease
av,
Thanks so much for your question. The most common form of Alzheimer’s disease occurs in those in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. But there is an early-onset form of the disease more strongly influenced by genetics that can affect people in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. Luckily, early-onset Alzheimer’s is less common than late-onset, but it is still a significant problem that needs to be addressed with more research and the development of better treatments and prevention strategies. For more information, see http://alzheimers.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Early-Onset-Alzheimers-Disease-Signs-Symptoms-and-Diagnosis.htm
Thanks so much,
Carrie Hill, Ph.D.
About.com Guide to Alzheimer’s Disease