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November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
On November 19, individuals can take advantage of free, confidential memory screenings as part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative to promote proper detection of memory problems. Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services, formerly Alzheimer’s Services of Cape Cod & the Islands, will provide memory screenings at 12 locations across Cape Cod. Screenings will be held at Harbor Point at Centerville and in senior centers in Barnstable, Bourne, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Falmouth, Mashpee, Orleans, Provincetown, Wellfleet, and Yarmouth.
It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, with over 10,000 individuals affected by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia in the Cape Cod region. The number is escalating in line with the aging population; the first baby boomers turned 65 in 2011. Advanced age is the greatest risk factor, with the incidence of the disease doubling every five years between 65 and 95.
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is an opportunity to honor and support those living with Alzheimer’s disease. National Memory Screening Day serves as a starting point for discussions about memory concerns and lifestyle changes – diet, managing stress, physical and mental exercise – that may help people age successfully. Memory problems could be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions. Since dementia medications are more effective the earlier they are implemented into a regimen, the results of a memory screening may prove very helpful in encouraging further diagnostic screening.
A memory screening averages 30 minutes and consists of questions and tasks to assess memory. It does not diagnose any illness, but can indicate whether someone should pursue a follow-up medical exam. It is estimated that missed diagnoses of dementia may be as high as 90 percent.
“This is a great service provided to the community and identifies people who may need more extensive evaluation,” said David Rehm, president & CEO, HopeHealth. “Besides identifying people with potential memory impairment, they also provide education and reassurance to those with mild age-related changes in the memory who may otherwise worry that they have dementia.”
Memory screenings are administered by Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services staff. For more information, call (508) 775-5656 or visit HopeDementia.org.
