Got 10 minutes?
Got 10 minutes?
In that short amount of time, you can find out whether losing your keys or forgetting people’s names needs to be checked out further.
People concerned about memory loss can take advantage of free, confidential screenings from 3:30-5 p.m. Tuesday at Life Care Center of Hilo, 944 W. Kawailani St.
The screenings are in observance of National Memory Screening Day, an annual event presented by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America to promote the detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses. The event also coincides with National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.
As national advocate for National Memory Screening Day, actress Deidre Hall is encouraging people to take time out for a screening.
“Memory loss is a hard thing for people to acknowledge, but it’s also very helpful to be proactive and to find out what you’re facing,” said Hall, best known as Dr. Marlena Evans on “Days of Our Lives.” Hall speaks from experience: Her father had Alzheimer’s disease.
The noninvasive test consists of questions and tasks to assess memory and is administered by a health care professional. A screening could indicate whether someone should follow up with a complete medical exam.
Lee Guillermo, assistant director of social services at Life Care, encourages community members ages 55 and older to take advantage of this free community service. Participants sign a release form so that results can be sent to their personal physician.
For more information, call the center’s social services division at 959-9151.