Alzheimer's Foundation of America Holds Fifth Annual National Memory Scr...( Record Number of Sites including ...),Health

Record Number of Sites, including Kmart Chain, are Participating

NEW YORK, Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA), drawing attention to the need for healthy aging and early detection of memory loss, is holding its fifth annual National Memory Screening Day on November 13, with a record number of sites from coast to coast offering free memory screenings.

On National Memory Screening Day itself or another day during November, about 2,000 sites in 46 states will offer confidential memory screenings, education about Alzheimer's disease and successful aging, and access to local resources.

This year, Kmart will be participating in the initiative; it will be holding memory screenings, as well as other types of health screenings, at all of its 1,100 pharmacies nationwide as part of its Gold K Day on November 16.

Other screening sites include senior and community centers, assisted living facilities, adult day centers, and doctor's offices. The face-to-face screening takes about five minutes to complete and consists of a series of simple questions and tasks. It is administered by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physician, nurse, psychologist, pharmacist, or social worker.

AFA's National Memory Screening Day coincides with National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, which takes place during November. The incidence of the disease is expected to triple to 16 million in the United States by mid-century. Age is the greatest risk factor.

"It is essential to diagnose memory loss in its early stages since it can be indicative of a more serious medical condition. Memory screening is an important first step. If the memory loss is a result of Alzheimer's disease, early detection leads to greater opportunities for treatment and intervention, which can improve an individual's quality of life," said Eric J. Hall, chief executive officer of AFA.

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