NEW YORK (October 27, 2022) — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is urging everyone to be proactive about their brain health and get a memory screening as part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this November. AFA provides free memory screenings every weekday through secure virtual format, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites; appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or through AFA’s website.
Memory screenings are an important part of a good health and wellness routine, even for individuals who are not experiencing memory problems. Screenings take just a few minutes, are noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions administered by a qualified professional to gauge memory, language, thinking skills, and other cognitive functions. Screenings do not provide a specific diagnosis but are an important first step in identifying a potential memory impairment that should be comprehensively examined by a physician.
“The brain is one of the body’s most vital areas. Just as we routinely get our blood pressure and cholesterol evaluated and undergo other health screenings, we need to regularly check our brain health too,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. “Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is a great time to be proactive about your brain health by getting a memory screening, regardless of whether you’re experiencing memory issues.”
Early detection of memory issues is important. In the case of a treatable or curable underlying condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, thyroid condition, sleep apnea or urinary tract infection, screenings allow the person to begin treatment more quickly. If the memory problems are the result of something such as Alzheimer’s disease, early detection can enable the person to start medications and therapeutic interventions sooner, afford greater opportunity to participate in a clinical trial, and take a more active role in developing their care plan.
“You are never too young to get a memory screening and to be more proactive about your brain health,” said Donna de Levante Raphael, AFA’s Director of the National Memory Screening Program. “Many people don’t think about their cognitive health when they get their regular medical checkups. It is very important to make sure you keep your mind sharp, and there are many ways to do that in order to combat cognitive decline. I always remind people that the first step is to get a screening to see if there might be any memory issues. It is better to know early rather than later.”
AFA offers free virtual memory screenings every weekday. To schedule a free virtual memory screening appointment or for more information about brain health and lifestyle choices that can help promote healthy aging, visit AFA’s website at www.alzfdn.org or call AFA’s Helpline at 866-232-8484.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals.
For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. AFA has earned Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating for seven consecutive years.
