On November 18th, individuals can get memory screenings as part of an initiative by The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. National Memory Screening Day is part of a larger effort to promote early detection of memory problems and to encourage early intervention, including medical treatments, social services and other resources.
Collaborating with local organizations all over the United States and Canada, participating locations offer free, confidential memory screenings, as well as follow-up resources and educational materials. Individuals who are concerned with memory loss or experiencing signs of dementia should be screened, as well as those who are concerned due to a family history Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. To find a screening site near you, go to http://www.afascreenings.org/.
To slow or prevent memory loss in brain cells, the key is to maintain the brain’s capacity. Some tips for health aging include:
- Visit your doctor regularly
- Engage in activities that stimulate your brain and participate in mental exercises
- Manage stress through techniques such as relaxation, meditation and yoga
- Treat depression to improve quality of life
- Maintaining a network of social friends will lessen the likelihood of isolation and depression
- Exercise daily, such as walking 30 minutes per day
- Control hypertension, diabetes and heart disease through physical exercise, quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and avoiding obesity
- Follow a healthy diet and take vitamins
- Limit alcohol consumption
Resource: http://nationalmemoryscreening.org/successful-aging.php
