Hinsdale Assisting Hands urges seniors to be screened for memory loss

Assisting Hands Hinsdale Urges Seniors to Be Screened for Memory Loss

National Memory Screening Day is November 13

Assisting Hands-Hinsdale is participating in National Memory Screening Day, on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

Memory screenings make sense for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia; whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer's disease or a related illness. Screenings also are appropriate for anyone who does not have a concern right now, but who wants to see how their memory is now and for future comparisons.

“We recognize that Alzheimer's disease and memory loss pose the greatest concern for caregivers. A recent study found that personal safety was a concern for 33 percent of caregivers dealing with Alzheimer's, and confusion was a major concern for another 27 percent,” according to Richard Ueberfluss, PT and president of Assisting Hands –Hinsdale.

He also noted that people looking after loved ones with severe Alzheimer's disease were more likely (84 percent) to say that caregiving frequently prevents them from doing activities they enjoy, compared to caregivers of loved ones with moderate (68 percent) or mild (67 percent) Alzheimer's disease.

The National Alzheimer's Foundation recommends that caregivers should ask loved ones to answer the following questions:

• Am I becoming more forgetful?

• Do I have trouble concentrating?

• Do I have difficulty performing familiar tasks?

• Do I have trouble recalling words or names in conversation?

• Do I sometimes forget where I am or where I am going?

• Have family or friends told me that I am repeating questions or saying the same thing over and over again?

• Am I misplacing things more often?

• Have I become lost when walking or driving?

• Have my family or friends noticed changes in my mood, behavior, personality, or desire to do things?

If the answer to any of these questions is YES, a memory screening may be appropriate.

“If you are dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's or severe loss, a home aide can give caregivers some respite and enhance home safety. Many home aides receive specific training in Alzheimer's and Dementia care,” added Ueberfluss.