Innovative Healthcare consultants hosting memory checkup

Innovative Healthcare Consultants is encouraging members of the community to be proactive about memory health by taking advantage of free, confidential memory screenings and information about successful aging on Nov. 15.

The event is part of National Memory Screening Day (NMSD), an annual initiative that the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) holds each November during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. More than 2,000 sites across the country will be participating.

Innovative Healthcare Consultants will provide the memory screenings at The Riford Center, 6811 La Jolla Blvd, in La Jolla from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information and to sign up for the screening, call (760) 731-1334 or (877) 731-1442.

RN care managers from Innovative will administer the screenings, which consist of a series of questions and tasks, and take five to 10 minutes. Screening results are not a diagnosis, and individuals with below-normal scores or who have concerns will be encouraged to pursue a full medical exam.

Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In general, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat one of these conditions.

AFA urges anyone concerned about memory changes, at risk of Alzheimer’s disease due to family history or who wants to check their memory now and for future comparison to get screened. Warning signs of dementia include forgetting people’s names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills, confusion over daily routines, and erratic mood swings.

Currently, as many as 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and the incidence is rising in line with the swell of aging baby boomers. The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years beyond age 65.

For more information about National Memory Screening Day, visit

www.nationalmemoryscreening.org

or Innovative Healthcare’s website at

www.innovativehc.com

.