On November 16, 2010, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) will be hosting its 8th annual National Memory Screening Day, which will provide free and confidential screenings. These memory screenings are available at libraries, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors' offices, senior centers and assisted living centers. Besides these locations, 1,600 Kmart pharmacies will have these memory screenings available from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eric J. Hall, the president and CEO of the AFA, and Hector Elizondo, the AFA's honorary celebrity chairman, talked to EmpowHer about the importance of memory screenings.
This year is the AFA's 8th annual National Memory Screening Day. How has the turnout and response been in the past? What are you hoping for this year's National Memory Screening Day?
Eric: National Memory Screening Day is catching on across the nation. It has grown exponentially every year—in terms of the number of screening sites and the number of people who get screened and get educated. Last year, we estimate that about 60,000 people were screened—a record—and another 25,000 picked up information. This year, we expect participation to grow for multiple reasons. Word is getting out about the importance of memory screenings. Aging baby boomers are turning 65 next year and they’re thinking about their memory. We’re offering memory screenings in Spanish in several major cities so that helps with language and cultural sensitivity. And some very high profile sites, like the landmark New York Public Library and the entire chain of Kmart pharmacies, are on board. It’s easy and convenient to get screened.
You have been advocating for memory testing. Tell me about the AFA's National Memory Screening Day and your involvement in this campaign.
Hector: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s National Memory Screening Day is an annual event that offers free, confidential memory screenings. The screenings are held at sites in local communities nationwide, like senior centers, pharmacies, Alzheimer’s agencies, libraries—places that people know in their communities.
In my role as AFA’s honorary celebrity chairman, I help publicize the initiative through media appearance, and encourage people to get screened on educational materials that the foundation produces. I talk openly about a disease that still is not talked about as much as it should be.
This year, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is also introducing screenings in Spanish in major cities so I’ve helped publicize this in media targeted to the Hispanic/Latino population. I’m hopeful that my ethnic background can help even more—and encourage the Hispanic/Latino population to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and to take a screening.
The National Memory Screening Day may be the first time many people have had their memory tested. What should they expect?
Eric: Let’s make it clear—there’s nothing to be scared of. Memory screenings are not invasive. They don’t hurt. It’s straightforward and only takes five to ten minutes: a qualified health care professional asks you a series of questions and tasks designed to test your memory and other cognitive skills.
Most importantly, the results are not a diagnosis. We encourage people who score below normal or who have a normal score but still have concerns to follow up with a doctor. A screening is a big step to finding out what might be the cause of memory problems, but it’s only one step in a process toward an accurate diagnosis. In general, whether someone participates in National Memory Screening Day or not, people need to get in the habit of talking to their doctors about memory concerns.
Who do you recommend gets their memory tested on National Memory Screening Day?
Eric: We suggest screenings for people who have memory concerns or are noticing signs of memory loss in themselves or loved ones. For example, are you not only forgetting where you put your keys, but also what keys are? Are you having trouble with recent memories…confusing time and place? Also, we suggest screenings for people with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or if they want to check their memory now and for future comparison. Get screened, follow up, if necessary, and get the results in your medical file.
To find a memory screening site in your area, you can visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 1-866-AFA-8484. For more information on the AFA, you can visit their website at www.alzfdn.org.