National Memory Screening Day is November 13
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I have written about my maternal grandmother in the past. She had Alzheimer’s disease and we lost her in August of this year. It was rather like dealing with a very long death process that lasted for years. She was gradually pulled away from those she loved by her failing memory. Although she never forgot my voice, my face, my name; she could never recall who Gigi was. There were pictures of my daughter next to her bed, so when we visited her in Ohio last Christmas, she said, “those eyes. I know those eyes.” That was all she could remember about her own great-grandchild, though.
Your own memories are one of the most cherished possessions you will ever own. They are yours and nothing can change that, but Alzheimer’s can and does rob people every day of their memories.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has an annual initiative that it carries out in tandem with other organizations and healthcare professionals all over the U.S. Every November you can find facilities offering free memory screenings. This year National Memory Screening Day is November 13.
The early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses can allow for early intervention and greater chances for success in beating the disease. Participating sites will conduct the free memory screenings, as well as follow up resources and educational materials to those concerned about memory loss.
Several Kmart pharmacies in my area here in Florida will host the screenings on November 16. I plan to make it a family affair for the women in my family. My mother, my sister and I will all get screened together and I feel like our efforts will honor my grandmother and acknowledge the very real risk that Alzheimer’s is in our family.
And remember, it’s not too late to help those who arte already suffering the loss of their pasts at the hands of Alzheimer’s. You can still ensure quality care for sufferers by making a contribution to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
There are so many preventative measures you can take to stave off Alzheimer’s: stay active, engage in mentally stimulating activities, and don’t put off social activities that will allow you to interact with others.
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