Senior Concerns will present free Memory Screenings on Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. as part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) National Memory Screening Day. Senior Concerns is located at 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (805) 497-0189.

This year’s Memory Screening Day at Senior Concerns will also feature two dynamic speakers, Sherry Lynn Harris and Viki Kind. Sherry, an inspirational speaker and author of the book  Adapting to Alzheimer’s , will discuss “What’s Next and How to Adapt.” Her presentation will focus on the signs and symptoms that indicate a possible cognitive decline, explain action steps one can take, discuss how to create joy while optimizing brain health, and how to be proactive by simplifying your life. Sherry illustrates her presentation with true-life stories from her own 18-year journey through Alzheimer’s with her mother. She will be providing immediately useful advice on keeping your brain active and alert, and innovative ways to adapt to situations of memory loss.

Viki Kind, a clinical bioethicist, medical educator and hospice volunteer, will focus her presentation on “What I Wish My Dad and I Had Known Before he was Diagnosed with Memory Loss.” Being diagnosed with memory loss can feel overwhelming. What makes it even more difficult is how much there is to learn to be able to cope with the new diagnosis. Viki will share what to do when you suspect memory loss, what resources are available, and how to build a supportive caregiving team. Viki’s goal is to help you create your best life even if you have some memory loss. Viki’s award-winning book,  The Caregiver’s Path to Compassionate Decision Making: Making Choices for Those Who Can’t,  which guides families and professionals through the difficult process of making decisions for those who have lost capacity. She also provides bioethics consultation and support for many hospitals in the Los Angeles area.

Memory screenings are suggested for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; who believe they are at risk due to a family history of dementia; or who want to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons. It is estimated that of those aged 65 and over, 1 in 8 has Alzheimer’s disease and nearly half of people aged 85 and older have the disease. By 2050, as many as 16 million Americans will have the disease.

“A simple memory screen provides a safe, cost-efficient intervention that can reassure the healthy individual, promote successful aging and, when indicated, direct individuals to appropriate clinical resources,” according to Andrea Gallagher, President, Senior Concerns. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to get screened.

National Memory Screening Day and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s year-round Community Memory Screenings program are part of the AFA’s national initiative to promote early detection and intervention for those concerned about memory loss, as well as to educate the public about successful aging.

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