NATIONAL MEMORY SCREENING DAY COMES TO WRENTHAM

Pond Home to Hold Free, Confidential Memory Screenings November 19

Wrentham, MA (October 28, 2013) – As part of National Memory Screening Day—an annual initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)—Pond Home in Wrentham, MA will offer free, confidential memory screenings  on November 19th.  Screenings will be held from 1:00-3:00pm at Pond Home, 289 East Street (Route 140) in Wrentham, MA 02093

 A qualified healthcare professional 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.

Walk ins are welcome on that day, but if you wish to schedule an appointment or have questions you may contact Terri Javery, Director of Nursing & Assistant to the Administrator at Pond Home by calling (508)384-3531 ext. 226 or by email terri@pondhome.org. 

 “While Pond Home does not specialize in memory care we successfully care for many residents with some level of Dementia or memory loss.  We wanted to be part of National Memory Screening Day to provide people in our community with a resource to learn more about brain health.”  Said Javery when asked why Pond Home chose to participate. 

 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.

 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.

 Such screenings are becoming increasingly important as the number of Baby Boomers turning age 65—the at-risk age group for Alzheimer’s disease—continues 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.

 However, an AFA survey of 2010 National Memory Screening Day participants found that 92 percent of those polled had never been given a screening by their primary healthcare provider; and 83 percent who were worried about their memory had not discussed their concerns with a healthcare provider.

 “Brain health should be on everyone’s radar screen, especially as you age. Memory screenings are a first but critical step toward finding out where you stand now and what additional steps you might need to take,” said Carol Steinberg, president of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

 Some memory problems, like those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues, are readily treatable and even curable. Others might be due to Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Although there currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, early intervention can improve the quality of an individual’s life; available medications may help slow progression of symptoms and diagnosed individuals can more readily participate in long-term care planning.

 Warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease include forgetting people’s names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills, confusion and personality changes.

 Dubbed by many as a “silver tsunami,” the number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to triple to 13.8 million by mid-century. Advanced age is the greatest known risk factor for the disease, which results in loss of memory and other intellectual functions, and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

 For more information about National Memory Screening Day, call (toll free) 866-232-8484 or visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org.

Pond Home offers Residential Care and Supportive Nursing Care in a beautifully maintained colonial home on Route 140 in Wrentham, providing all meals and 24 hour nursing care.  It is managed by Rogerson Communities, a Boston based non-profit recognized as a leader in the management and development of elder housing and services. To learn more about Pond Home contact Becky Annis at 508-384-3531, ext. 225 or visit www.pondhome.org .