Homestead Hills to Hold Free Memory Screenings

November 10, 2009
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Winston-Salem, N.C. - Consumers who want a status check on their memory can take advantage of free, confidential screenings on November 17 at Homestead Hills, a luxury retirement community in Winston-Salem, N.C. The event is a part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) designed to promote proper detection of memory problems and strategies for successful aging.

Memory screenings are a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory problems could be caused by Alzheimer's disease or other medical conditions. Now in its seventh year, AFA's National Memory Screening Day coincides with National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, which takes place during November. Sites across the country will be participating.

On November 17, Homestead Hills will hold free memory screenings at 3250 Homestead Club Dr., from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Sandra Griswold, wellness coordinator, at (336)-659-0708.

The event features a face-to-face screening, which takes only about five to ten minutes, and consists of a series of questions and tasks. It is administered by a qualified health care professional, such as a physician, nurse, psychologist or social worker. The results do not represent a diagnosis, and AFA advises those individuals with below-normal scores or those who have normal scores but are still concerned to follow up with a qualified health care professional.

Homestead Hills Executive Director Pat Halsey urges the public to be proactive about brain health.

"We are excited about hosting the screenings in Winston-Salem," Halsey said. "Too many people don't understand the connection between brain health and physical health, so participating in a memory screening is an important first step in bridging that gap."

Currently, as many as 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, and the incidence is rising in line with the aging population. Age is the greatest known risk factor.

For more information about National Memory Screening Day, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.com or call 866-AFA-8484.