To help Long Islanders be proactive about their brain health, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and the Town of Babylon are hosting five free memory screening events this October and November, which are open to everyone, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Individuals wishing to get screened are encouraged to make an appointment by calling AFA’s memory screening department at 866-232-8484 or visiting www.alzfdn.org/babylontown (walk-ins will be accepted as time permits). Screenings can be provided in multiple languages.
Screening events will take place on:
Memory screenings are quick (approximately 10-15 minutes), noninvasive and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. They are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks. Screenings are administered one on one by a qualified professional, and results are confidential and provided immediately at the end of the screening. Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.
“Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, regardless of whether you’re experiencing memory problems. Just as we regularly check other facets of our health, we need a checkup from the neck up, too,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “We are pleased to work with the Town of Babylon to provide this free service to the community.”
“The Town of Babylon is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in helping to raise brain health awareness across our community. Like any routine health screening, memory screenings are important especially among our senior population, and I am so grateful that we are able to bring this vital service to our senior centers,” said Town Clerk Gerry Compitello.
Early detection of memory impairments is extremely important. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments that can help slow the symptoms of the disease, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and therapeutic programming, which can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial and health care decisions.
The program is generously supported by a Suffolk County Marathon grant.
Individuals wishing to get a free memory screening on any of the listed dates, or who would like to learn more about the importance of memory screenings, should contact AFA’s memory screening department at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org/babylontown.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide and to fund research for better treatment and a cure. Its services include a National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening Program, educational conferences and materials, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. AFA holds Charity Navigator’s top 4-star rating for its commitment to fiscal efficiency, transparency, and accountability.