NEW YORK, May 4, 2022 — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) encourages individuals to be proactive about their brain health during National Older Americans Month this May by getting a memory screening.
AFA offers free virtual memory screenings every weekday and is available to everyone with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Screenings can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or visiting www.alzfdn.org. A computer, smartphone, tablet, or any other device with a webcam and Internet connection is all that is needed.
“Good cognitive health is an essential part of healthy aging. We need to be just as proactive about getting regular checkups for our brains–as we do for other parts of our bodies, especially as we age,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “If you haven’t yet gotten your annual memory screening, now is a great time to schedule your appointment for a checkup from the neck up.”
Memory screenings are simple, quick (10-15 minutes), noninvasive and consist of a series of questions administered by a qualified professional, to gauge memory, language, thinking skills, and other intellectual functions. They are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol, and skin checks. Results are not a diagnosis, 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 conditions, urinary tract infections, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide a greater opportunity to begin treatments that can help slow the symptoms of the disease as well as take part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and therapeutic programming, and have a greater say in making legal, financial, and health care decisions.
Individuals can schedule their free virtual memory screening appointment by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or visiting www.alzfdn.org.
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.
