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Tuesday, November 16

Free Memory Screenings Focus of National Alzheimer’s Month

To find sites near you and sign up for free memory test - Click Here

Nov. 12, 2004 - Hundreds of sites across America will offer free memory screenings on November 16 as part of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) National Memory Screening Day, which is held annually during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. It is the focal point of AFA's call for a national strategy that promotes early intervention and cognitive wellness.

According to the AFA, memory screenings, although not used to diagnose any illness, can lead to early detection of Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, and appropriate medical and social services intervention.  Those whose screenings flag a potential problem are urged to pursue an extensive medical evaluation.

"When people know what they are facing, they can better chart their future course of care and maximize available treatments.  Detecting Alzheimer's disease or a related illness early is essential to improve quality of life," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's chief executive officer.

The face-to-face, confidential screenings will be available at various venues, such as local Alzheimer's organizations, senior centers, assisted living facilities and doctors' offices.  In New York State, for example, there will be nearly 50 sites, including AFA's headquarters, 322 Eighth Ave. at 26th St. in New York City, from 8 am to 4 pm.  For locations, visit http://www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call (toll-free) 866-AFA-8484.

Individuals who should consider screening include those with a family history of dementia, or who exhibit warning signs, such as forgetfulness about names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills, and erratic mood swings.

The screenings consist of a series of questions and tasks to assess intellectual function, and only take about ten minutes to administer. Participants are given educational materials, and medical and community resources for follow up.

Hall said these tests also greatly benefit those with normal scores. "They walk away with their fears in check and armed with prevention tools," he said.

This year, National Memory Screening Day's presenting sponsors are Forest Laboratories and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

 AFA has also been pressing the importance of early detection by advocating on Capitol Hill for reforms that will expand the availability of memory screenings.  Recently, proposals advanced by AFA have been included in two initiatives:

  > The U.S. House of Representatives, in a report attached to its passage of fiscal 2005 spending budgets for the departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services, called for an analysis of the effectiveness of existing screening tools to detect early stage memory impairment, and developing recommendations to expand access to screenings.  The full Senate has not yet considered the spending bill.

  > Secondly, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in its Medicare's final rule for physician payment for 2005 set higher payments for preventive services including a "Welcome to Medicare Physical" that gives physicians the opportunity to make an overall assessment of an individual's health.  CMS acknowledged that "review of the individual's functional ability and level of safety" would include an assessment of the role cognitive impairment may play in affecting their ability to perform activities of daily living.

"Our message about the importance of early detection is beginning to receive the attention it deserves, especially as the incidence of Alzheimer's disease is expected to triple by mid-century," Hall said.

National Memory Screening Day is also a major component of AFA's new education and fundraising campaign, "Together for Care," that is designed to emphasize the care needs of the estimated five million Americans with Alzheimer's and related illnesses, and their families.  The campaign includes enhancing community resources and providing grants to families in need to offset the cost of care for their loved ones.

AFA, a New York-based nonprofit organization, unites member organizations from coast to coast that provide education and hands-on social services.  Its services include a toll-free hotline, educational conferences and materials, training for healthcare professionals, and a free caregiver magazine, Vantage(TM).  For information, call 866-AFA-8484 or visit http://www.alzfdn.org.  

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