Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Everyone jokes at one time or another about how they know their memory isn't as good as it use to be. I can't imagine how scary it must be to really wonder if you are getting Alzheimer's or if it really is a case of just being forgetful.

National Memory Screening Day is November 13, 2007. Health care professionals and organizations across the U.S. are joining with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to encourage people to get memory screenings. In an effort to promote Alzheimer's early detection, they are offering free and confidential memory screenings, as well as educational materials.

There are numerous factors that result in memory loss and memory screening can be the first step to pinpointing the reason for memory loss. They can not only rule out Alzheimer's being the cause, they can also detect other problems that lead to memory loss such as vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems. If these are the reason for memory loss, then it can be reversed by proper care.

The early detection of Alzheimer's would mean a person could have a say in how their personal care and legal matters should be handled. Waiting until the later stages would mean they are no longer of sound mind and they wouldn't be able to speak for themselves.

If you feel you are suffering from memory loss, sometime this month go and get a memory screening. There are several locations and you can find one near you by visiting the Alzheimer's Foundation of America website. You can also find tips on successful aging to share with your friends. These include tips such as being social, excercise not only your body, but also your mind by doing puzzles and reading.

This year when buying gifts, give a holiday gift to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Contributing will not only aid in finding a cure, but will also help those that are suffering from the disease to get the quality of care that they need.