Free memory screenings scheduled for Cedar County Senior Centers

Are you concerned about memory loss? Want to find out whether your forgetfulness is normal or a sign of something more serious?

Care Connection for Aging Services Care Manager, Angela Roderick, will be conducting free memory screenings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at El Dorado Springs Senior Center, 604 S. Forest, on Thursday, September 18th. She will be at the Korth Center, 309 W. Englewood in Stockton from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30.

“Memory screenings are a regular part of a wellness checkup,” said Roderick. “The screening gives the individual a baseline to which they can refer if they become concerned about the progression of memory loss. The screening also provides an indicator of whether someone might benefit from an extensive medical exam.”

The screenings do not replace a physician’s visit.

“The screening does not provide a diagnosis of any illness but may distinguish between actual memory loss and forgetfulness that we all experience,” Roderick said. “Memory loss could also indicate other medical issues where the memory can be affected, like a vitamin deficiency or thyroid problems. Education and early detection are keys to getting on top of a diagnosis.”

The in-person screenings, which take 10 to 15 minutes, are conducted in a confidential setting. A care manager will ask questions and request that the participant perform tasks designed to test memory, language skills, thinking ability, and other intellectual functions.

The participant will receive the screening results for reference and to take to a healthcare provider for follow-up and/or inclusion in medical files.

The memory screening is a simple and safe healthy brain check-up that tests memory and other thinking skills, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The screenings are “a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem,” according to the Foundation.

Early detection of mild cognitive impairment may afford a person the opportunity to take advantage of treatments that may slow the changes in memory and thinking skills or participate in a clinical trial.