November 10, 2014 – It is sobering to know that 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and our risk of dementia doubles every five years between the ages of 65 and 95. It’s even more sobering to know that Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are often misdiagnosed as caregivers and family members write behavioral symptoms off to “normal aging.”

Memory screenings can be important for anyone who may be experiencing warning signs of dementia, or who believe they may be at risk for memory loss due to family history or a related illness. Screenings can help put your mind at ease – or provide early detection so appropriate interventions can be made. Screenings are also a way for healthy adults to set a benchmark for comparison in future screenings.

A recent study by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America found that 92% of adults 65 to 74 have never been given a memory screening, and 83% of those who were worried about their memory had never discussed their concerns with a healthcare provider.

National Memory Screening Day

National Memory Screening Day is an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Association of America to raise awareness of memory loss and dementia and to provide an opportunity for older adults to obtain a memory screening.

“At this time, there are types of memory problems that can be cured and other types that can be treated,” said J. Wesson Ashford, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the AFA Memory Screening Advisory Board. “The key is to recognize the problem, get screened and act on the results.”

Should you or someone you care about be screened? If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, you might benefit from a memory screening.

• Am I becoming more forgetful?
• Do I have trouble concentrating?
• Do I have difficulty performing familiar tasks?
• Do I have trouble recalling words or names in conversations?
• Do I sometimes forget where I am or where I am going?
• Has family or friends told me that I am repeating questions or saying the same thing over and over again?
• Am I misplacing things more often?
• Have I become lost when walking or driving?
• Have my family or friends noticed changes in my mood, behavior, personality, or desire to do things?

Screening results do not provide a diagnosis and should not be used in place of a consultation with a qualified doctor of health care professional. The results should be used as the basis for a consultation with an appropriate healthcare provider.

CLV To Host Screenings

Carroll Lutheran Village will hold a community memory screening on November 14, 2014 as part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s National Memory Screening Day. Screenings take about 20 minutes, consist of questions and a few tasks and are given by licensed social workers. Appointments are required by calling 443-605-1070. Appointments are available between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.