NEW YORK, January 6, 2023— With 2023 officially underway, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging everyone to schedule their annual memory screening appointments today. AFA offers free, confidential memory screenings through a secure virtual format every weekday, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites—appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or through AFA’s website here.
“Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, even if you’re not currently experiencing memory problems. Just like other facets of our health, our brains need regular checkups too,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Start the new year off by being proactive about your brain health and scheduling your 2023 memory screening appointment.”
Memory screenings are simple, quick (approximately 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. The 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 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 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, that can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial, and health care decisions.
Memory screening appointments can be scheduled by calling AFA at 866-232-8484 or through AFA’s website. Screenings are conducted through secure videoconference technology (i.e., Facetime, Zoom, Skype)—all that’s needed is a device with a webcam and Internet capability, such as a smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
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.
