Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb Promotes Awareness Of Free Alzheimer’s Testing On National Memory Screening Day

November 13, 2009

In observance of National Memory Screening Day on November 17, Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) is reminding New Yorkers to take advantage of free memory screenings, offered by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA).

“As our loved ones grow older, we want to preserve their quality of life while ensuring their safety and independence. Many seniors with dementia remain undiagnosed by their primary care providers – and families often fail to recognize the significance of early symptoms,” said Kolb. “I hope that seniors in my district will use the information gathered from their free screenings to start conversations with their doctors about the risks and signs of Alzheimer’s and other memory-related disorders.”

National Memory Screening Day is an annual initiative spearheaded by the AFA in collaboration with community organizations that promote early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. Qualified health care professionals at community venues will offer free, confidential memory screenings, education about successful aging, and follow-up resources. To find a venue near you, visit the AFA Screenings Web site.

“Alzheimer’s disease affects those afflicted and their caregivers alike. Although there is presently no cure, individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families should know they are not alone in their struggles. Groups such as the AFA provide a whole host of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers,” Kolb said

“Available services include support groups; telephone help-lines; educational seminars; advocacy programs; and a variety of print and on-line resources about the disease, care-giving approaches, and current research,” Kolb continued. “We hope that one day our medical community will find a cure for this dreadful disease. Until then, I encourage those affected to take advantage of the wide-range of resources that are available locally.”

More than 20 national organizations have signed on in support of National Memory Screening Day 2009, including the American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, American Association for Long Term Care Nursing, American Pharmacists Association, and the American Psychological Association.

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