Regular memory screenings can detect treatable conditions
With the arrival of a new year, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is encouraging individuals to make a new year’s resolution to get a memory screening.
Regular memory screenings are an important tool for early detection of potential memory problems; they should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine. AFA’s National Memory Screening Program offers free, confidential memory screenings every weekday through secure videoconference technology, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. To schedule an appointment, call AFA at 866-232-8484 or go to alzfdn.org.
“Memory screenings are important for everyone, even if they are not currently experiencing memory problems. Just as with other facets of your health, early detection of potential memory issues is critically important,” said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., AFA president and CEO. “Start off 2024 by making and keeping a new year’s resolution to get a checkup from the neck up today.”
Memory screenings are simple, quick and noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory and other cognitive functions. Memory screenings are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin issues. Results are not a diagnosis of any particular condition, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.
Early detection of memory impairments is extremely important. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety and depression.
Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments that can help slow disease symptoms, and to consider taking part in a clinical trial. Early detection also affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services such as support groups and therapeutic programming, which can help maximize quality of life. They also may have a greater say in making legal, financial and healthcare decisions.
“Memory screenings empower people to be proactive about their brain health. You are never too young or too old to get a memory screening,” said Donna de Levante Raphael, PhD, AFA National Memory Screening Program director. “Detecting a memory issue early rather than later gives you more opportunity to take action, which is why everyone should get memory screenings regularly.”
