November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, honoring those living with the disease, and supporting caregivers and loved ones. This month also serves as an excellent reminder to check in with our brain health, and one of the best ways to do so is with a memory screening. Whether you have noticed some change in your memory recently or want to stay on top of things, there are many good reasons to get a memory screening. Here are a few reasons why it might be a good idea for you or a loved one to get screened:
- Getting a baseline is important. This allows you to track any changes that may be occurring over the years, which can help you be proactive in managing lifestyle changes as you age.
- Some memory changes are due to reversible conditions that your physician can treat. A screening can help you start that process.
- Memory screenings are usually free, either as part of an annual physical with your physician or as part of a free screening offered by the Dementia Institute, Alzheimer’s Association, or a similar organization.
- Memory screenings are not diagnostic. Getting one done does not mean that someone will then conclude you have dementia. Instead, screenings can point the way toward further testing if needed or—at the very least—allow you to pursue additional conversations with your physician and/or family.
- You have little to lose and much to gain. If there are significant changes occurring, most people want to know what is happening, what can be done, and how they might best plan for the future.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia, we understand that you might be feeling a mix of emotions. The unknown of what’s to come can be frustrating and overwhelming. With Dementia Institute’s training and education opportunities, you can learn more about the disease progression and be better prepared to deal with the effects of a changing brain.
Learn more at the link below.