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RSVP holds memory screenings Do you sometimes draw a blank about someone's name or where you put your keys? Should you stock up on fruits and vegetables or diligently do a crossword puzzle a day? The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging anyone concerned about memory problems or interested in memory care to participate in National Memory Screening Day on November 14. Now in its fourth year, AFA's annual event involves hundreds of sites nationwide that provide free memory screenings and education about the disease, successful aging and local resources. National Memory Screening Day coincides with National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in November, and this year comes during the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Alzheimer's disease. In 1906, Dr. Alois Alzheimer, a German physician detected the disease's characteristic plaques and tangles during an autopsy of a woman's brain. On November 14, The Southwest Alabama Retired & Senior Volunteer Program along with the Alabama/Tombigbee Area Agency on Aging will hold memory screenings at 147 Adams Avenue in Thomasville from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 334-637-1143. "We are very excited to offer this service to our seniors by giving them invaluable information they can use to monitor their health" said Donna Phillips, the Director of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program. The AFA suggests that anyone concerned about changes in memory or other intellectual functions should get screened. Warning signs include forgetfulness about names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills, confusion, and erratic mood swings. The noninvasive screening consists of questions and tasks to assess memory; it takes about ten minutes and is administered by a qualified healthcare professional. The screening could indicate whether someone should follow up with a complete exam. It is not used to diagnose any illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified professional, the AFA said. As a follow-up to a screening, comprehensive medical exams may reveal that the person is suffering from a reversible condition, such as a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problem, or from an irreversible disorder like Alzheimer's disease. "Being proactive is the best strategy when it comes to a person's memory. Everyone needs to learn about lifestyle choices that go hand-in-hand with successful aging. And individuals whose screening indicates a potential problem need to find out about next steps. There is help available," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's chief executive officer. More information about National Memory Screening Day and a list of screening sites can be found at www.nationalmemorvscreening.org. National Memory Screening Day's presenting sponsor is Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. AFA is a New York-based national nonprofit organization that focuses on care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their families. Its services include a toll-free hot line, counseling by licensed social workers, bilingual educational materials and a free magazine for caregivers. For more information, call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
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