NEW YORK, May 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- May is Older Americans Month, and as part of that, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging individuals to get a free memory screening during the month of May. AFA encourages people to take a proactive approach to their brain health, and getting a screening is the first step in this process.
“Memory screenings are an important part of health and wellness,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Just as individuals regularly get wellness screenings to check things such as blood pressure and cholesterol, they should check their brain health as well. At AFA, we always encourage people to get a memory screening. Don’t wait; Get screened today!”
A memory screening is similar to many other routine health screenings, like those for diabetes, blood pressure and skin checks. It is simple, non-invasive and takes just 10 – 15 minutes. The screening consists of a series of questions and tasks that check memory, language skills, thinking ability and other intellectual functions. A screening is not a diagnosis, but can indicate whether someone should follow up with a clinician for a more thorough evaluation.
There are a number of other reasons why someone could be experiencing memory issues, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, depression and even lack of sleep. If a memory problem does turn out to be something more serious, such as Alzheimer’s disease, early detection enables the person to take an active role in developing their care plan.
AFA has screening sites throughout the country which provide free, confidential memory screenings. You can find a screening site by visiting www.alzfdn.org or calling AFA at 866-232-8484. Additionally, many physicians perform memory screenings. Memory screenings are covered by Medicare as part of the Medicare Wellness Program, and are often covered by insurance companies as well. Check with your doctor for more information.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA):
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide in the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
866-232-8484, ext. 126
ssilverstein@alzfdn.org