November is the month for National Memory screening day. Free screenings are occurring across the nation throughout the month–I took a look at some of the dates/locations and it appears they’re all 4+ hour windows for you to go in and participate.
You’ll meet in private with a clinician. A series of questions/tasks will take place to test memory, language skills, thinking ability, etc. The clinician will review your results with you and discuss whether or not a follow up with your physician is advisable for more extensive testing. Your results are confidential.
I strongly suggest looking for the nearest screening and taking your loved ones. I don’t think anyone realizes just how strong the impact of Alzheimer’s can be until it’s too late. We’re experiencing it all now with my grandfather, and it’s really like he’s two different people. He’s still in earlier stages, so he really slips in and out of it, but when he goes, he’s just not my papa and it tears us all apart. He even got so angry last week that he slapped my grandmother. I admire her strength. A few hours later he held up his hand to do it again and she didn’t move; she just looked at him and said, “Johnny, if that’s what’s gonna make you feel better, just do it.” Later on when he was back to himself, he remembered what happened and got so upset. I can’t imagine what it’s like to know there are times when you can’t control yourself anymore.
The successful aging tips located on their site are actually some I think everyone should take a glance at. They’re pretty good guidelines for anyone’s mental health at just about any age.
Seeking the cure for Alzheimer’s is important, but we can’t forget those already suffering. Consider a contribution to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to aid in the care of those already afflicted.
My grandfather is still in a place where we can take care of him, but with his attitude towards life right now, I fear it won’t be long before we have to place him in someone else’s hands.
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