Memory Screening for Your Aging Parents

While caregivers across the nation struggle with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, so many more families are struggling because they don’t understand their aging parent or spouse’s disease and how to care for them. So we have decided to collaborate with the local Shepherd’s Center and provide a free memory screening to the public on November 20th, 2014 from 10AM-2PM, which is supported by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Foundation, like so many non-profits, spend much of their efforts in providing awareness to the public about the disease. The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is “to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families-through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life.” Part of this mission is met by promoting a National Memory Screening Day each year in November which is Alzheimer’s Awareness month. The organization provides free materials to participation sites that want to offer screenings.

Lisa Miller came to our agency four years ago asking if we wanted to join with the Shepherd’s Center to be a participant site for the memory screenings. Four years later, we have over 20 people signed up for the screenings. With these screenings we are not able to diagnose any illness but are able to detect some memory decencies through a set of questions. After the screening, participants are given some educational material and a letter to their doctor. For some, this screening may put their mind at ease, if they are concerned about forgetfulness but do not have any present memory issues. For some it may be a start towards finding the reasons for their memory loss.

Mild memory loss can be caused by other medical conditions than Alzheimer’s; vitamin decencies, thyroid problems, depression, medication effects. These conditions can be treated versus Alzheimer’s which is an irreversible disease. Ater following up with their physician, they may be able to get an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s which is beneficial to the client and their caregivers. They ca gain access to emerging medical treatments , counseling, social support and long term planning to help provide quality care as the disease progresses.

We are so happy to offer this service and support our aging adult community in Kernersville, the Shepherd’s Center and Home Loving Senior Care, with the continued support of the AFA. We hope that families will continue to take advantage of the resource. If you know someone who could benefit from a free confidential screening, please call 992-0591 today to set up an appointment.