I mentioned in an earlier post that Tuesday, November 17, is National Memory Screening Day in the United States. The Alzheimer’s foundation of America has organized free, confidential memory screenings at more than 2000 sites across the country. These screenings will also make available educational materials about memory concerns, and tips on successful aging.
The screenings represent a great opportunity for you to encourage someone who may be experiencing, or be at risk for memory loss. If you are that someone, here is a great opportunity for you to do something for yourself, as well.
Most of us who have contemplated getting older have experienced the dread of dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. We wonder whether the absentmindedness that characterizes our lives is leading to something debilitating. The main distinction between age associated memory impairment and significant memory loss is the loss of function. Normal memory loss is annoying but not disabling. On the other hand, the consistent inability to remember everyday information can be a sign of dementia. For example, if I go to the grocery store without a list and forget a couple of things I meant to get, that’s pretty normal for a 65-year-old man. However, if I return from the store with nothing, or get confused about why I went to the store, that is more likely to be a sign of something ominous. Professional memory screening can help us be more confident about the difference in our own lives.
Of course, even the discussion of memory loss can produce significant fear and denial. People with memory problems and even their family members are reluctant to discuss it, let alone take action. The problem is that these fears and denial can delay diagnosis. Such delays waste time and can prevent individuals from getting the help that they may need.
On National Memory Screening Day, the memory screenings are administered by qualified healthcare professionals. They are done face-to-face, in a private setting, and they are free and confidential. A great approach to encourage someone to go for screening is to ask them to join you for screening. Just say, “Hey, Tuesday is National Memory Screening Day and I’m going to go check it out. Why don’t you come along?” It may be one of the most positive things you do all week.
For more information see: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – National Memory Screening. (n.d.). . Retrieved November 11, 2009, from http://www.nationalmemoryscreening.org/fact_fiction.php
