Panorama Hosts Free Memory Screening

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elderly couple walkingWe’ve all had moments when we forget where we left our keys or can’t locate he television remote. Who hasn’t walked into a room and thought to yourself, “What in the world was I looking for in here?” These are normal lapses in memory that can happen because of age, lack of sleep, or just being distracted by all of the things you need to get done in the day.

But what if you are finding yourself more and more dependent on memory aids to recall recent events or struggling to remember how to complete the things you do every day? Then it’s time to act.

On Tuesday, November 19, Panorama will host a free memory screening for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s National Memory Screening Day. This screening is open to all members of the community who have concerns about their memory or a loved one’s memory. It will be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in the lobby of the Panorama Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center at 1600 Sleater-Kinney Road SE in Lacey.

Panorama is one of many sites across the country that will be hosting a memory screening for National Memory Screening Day. Panorama is partnering with several local community groups to bring the event here as a community service, including The Hampton Special Care Center, Garden Courte Memory Care, South Sound Alzheimer’s Council, Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging, and Senior Services for South Sound, Aegis Therapy at Panorama and Linda Terry, who teaches Brain Fitness. Each of these partners will have tables set up at the memory screening to provide participants with more information on memory care and what services are available in our community.

tumwater 4th of july paradeThe memory screening is a simple five to ten minute test consisting of questions and a few tasks. Panorama nurses and social workers conduct and score the test in a private location. It is non-invasive and completely confidential. The memory screening is only used to indicate a possible problem, but it is not a diagnosis of any disease. Following the screening, participants are given the test results to discuss with their health care provider.

“We encourage everybody wondering about their memory, or who has questions about memory, or who just wants reassurance that they don’t have the early signs of Alzheimer’s to have this screening,” said Sharon Rinehart, Administrator at Panorama’s Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center.

While the memory screening can’t diagnosis a medical condition, it is a good indicator that further testing may be needed to determine if the participant’s memory or thought processes are functioning as well as they used to be. Participants whose screening indicates there may be a problem should bring the results to their health care providers for more comprehensive testing. Rinehart explains that many of those tested might be pleasantly surprised and reassured to find that their memory is better than they think. Additionally, this screening can be used as a measure of their healthy memory, which can act as a baseline if they start having problems in the future.

lacey outdoor concertMemory or brain function problems can be the result of many different illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Rinehart explains that it’s important to get screened because some memory problems can be effectively treated, and possibly even reversed, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other causes of memory problems, such as a previously-undetected stroke, need to be identified as soon as possible so health care providers can begin treatments which may prevent future problems.

Early detection is key to living a better life with many of the diseases that cause memory loss. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease at this time, there are treatments that might be able to slow some of the memory and other brain functioning problems associated with the disease. Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, and other types of dementia, allows individuals and their family members a chance to learn about the disease and available treatments. It also allows time for the individual and family to seek out community supports and services, and prepare their legal, financial and other future medical plans.

In addition to memory screening, Panorama will deliver information on how you can help to keep your brain functioning better for longer. “Just as you take care of your physical body, you can take care of your mind, too. You can work with your brain to keep it healthy,” said Rinehart.

If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, visit Panorama on November 19 for a screening. Additionally, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

For more information on this event, call 360-438-5000, ext. 4290 or visit www.panoramacity.org. If you’d like to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s National Memory Screening Day, visit their website at nationalmemoryscreening.org.

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