Alzheimer’s Foundation, Mount Sinai Host Free Memory Screening

To help Long Islanders be proactive about their brain health, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and Mount Sinai South Nassau will be hosting a free memory screening event on Tuesday, April 25 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in the atrium of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital (One Healthy Way, Oceanside). No advanced registration is required, and there are no minimum age or insurance prerequisites. Parking is available in the visitor’s lot.

Memory screenings are quick (approximately 10-15 minutes), noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. They are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks. Screenings are administered one on one by a qualified professional, and results are confidential. Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.

“Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, regardless of whether you’re experiencing memory problems. Just as we regularly check other facets of our health, we need a checkup from the neck up too,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “We are pleased to work with Mount Sinai South Nassau to provide this free service to the community.”

“The information from the screening helps you and your physician take charge of your brain health and plan for and implement lifestyle changes as well as take advantage of treatments that will slow memory loss and the decline of thinking skills,” said Adhi Sharma, MD, President of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “My colleagues I and strongly encourage residents to get screened and take advantage of this free and essential screening.”

Early detection of memory impairments is extremely important. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments that can help slow the symptoms of the disease, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and therapeutic programming, that can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial and health care decisions.

For more information about the free memory screening program on April 25, please contact Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education Department at 516377-5333 or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 866-232-8484.

—Submitted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America