According to recent estimates by the National Institute of Health, 2.4 to 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s Disease. It starts with mild memory problems -- such as forgetting names and asking repetitive questions -- and can lead to severe brain damage.
The risk of Alzheimer's increases with age, and most of the people diagnosed with it are over the age of 60. Early-onset Alzheimer's can occur in those aged 30 to 60, though that happens to fewer than 5 percent of Americans, reports the National Institute of Health.
Medical professionals say that early detection is important to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. So, as a memory-health awareness initiative, the Alzheimer's Foundation of America will host National Memory Screening Day on Nov. 15.
Health care professionals will offer free face-to-face screenings to the public. Though diagnoses will not be made at the five-to-10 minute screenings, participants with abnormal scores will be encouraged to get a medical exam.
The confidential memory screenings details are available at 2,500 sites, including Alzheimer's agencies, senior centers and pharmacies, such as the 1,000 Kmarts nationwide.
To find a site in your area, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call 866-AFA-8484.
