Retirement Communities to Honor National Memory Screening Day
Newton, NC (PRWEB) November 19, 2014 -- Abernethy Laurels in Newton, NC and Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville, NC will offer screenings on their campuses from 9am-1pm. Lake Prince Woods in Suffolk, VA will provide screenings from 10am-12noon and 1pm-4:30pm. Appointments for screenings are preferred at each location.
In observance of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), healthcare professionals will administer the memory screenings and provide educational materials about memory concerns, brain health and caregiving. The face-to-face screenings consist of a series of questions that take five to 10 minutes to administer.
"A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a physician or other healthcare professional," noted Susan Young, Director of Clinical Services at United Church Homes and Services. "It can check an individual's memory and other thinking skills and can indicate if someone might benefit from a more complete medical visit. We have encouraged our communities to provide these screenings in an effort to raise awareness about dementia related illnesses."
The AFA suggests memory screenings for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia, who believe they are at risk due to a family history of dementia, or who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons.
Although there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, early intervention can improve the quality of an individual's life and medications may help slow progression of symptoms.
Such screenings are becoming increasingly important as the number of Baby Boomers turning age 65—the at-risk age group for Alzheimer’s disease—continues to climb. The federal government’s historic “National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease” urges a greater emphasis on both early diagnosis and education about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia's.
To schedule an appointment for a screening or to learn more about the memory care services at any of the locations, please call Shaylyn Ladd at 828.465.8028. http://www.uchas.org
Shaylyn Ladd, United Church Homes and Services, http://www.uchas.org/, +1 828-465-8028, [email protected]
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