As part of National Memory Screening Day \u2014 an annual initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) \u2014 Weatherly Inn in Kent will offer free, confidential memory screenings on Nov. 19.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Screenings are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Weatherly Inn’s Lake Meridian facility, 15101 SE 272 St., Kent, on Kent-Kangley, close to Highway 18.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Qualified healthcare professionals from Weatherly Inn and the Franciscan Health System will administer the memory screenings and provide educational materials about memory concerns, brain health and caregiving. The face-to-face screenings consist of a series of questions and tasks, and take five to 10 minutes to administer.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The AFA suggests memory screenings for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; who believe they are at risk due to a family history of dementia; or who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Screeners emphasize that results are not a diagnosis, and encourage individuals who score poorly as well as those who still have concerns to pursue a full medical examination.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Such screenings are becoming increasingly important as the number of Baby Boomers turning age 65\u2014the at-risk age group for Alzheimer’s disease\u2014continues to climb. The federal government’s historic “National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease” urges a greater emphasis on both early diagnosis and education about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
For more information about National Memory Screening Day, call (toll free) 866-232-8484 or visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n