Don't Forget: November 29th is Free Memory Screening Day at South Nassau

OCEANSIDE, N.Y. - Nov. 21, 2016 - PRLog -- As part of an ongoing nationwide initiative to raise awareness of different forms of dementia and to educate individuals about the importance of early detection of memory problems, South Nassau Communities Hospital in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) will offer free, confidential memory screenings on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the hospital's Conference Center B.

The one-on-one screenings will be conducted by qualified memory specialists and will consist of a series of questions and tasks. The assessment will take only 10 to 15 minutes to administer.  AFA recommends memory screenings for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs; whose family or friends have noticed changes in them; who believe they are at risk due to family history; or who want to measure their memory now for future comparisons.  Memory screening is not a diagnosis, however it can signal whether someone should follow up with a physician for a full evaluation.  A recent study suggests that screenings may detect impairment up to 18 years prior to clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

"A screening is an important first step in identifying a memory issue," said Charles J. Fuschillo, president and CEO of the AFA.  "There are a number of reasons someone could be having memory problems, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues and depression. A screening can help put a person on a path to proper treatment."

For more information or to register for a free memory screening, call (516) 377-5333.

More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.  Alzheimer's is the 6th most common cause of death in the U.S., and the only one in the top 10 illnesses without a cure.  Accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases, Alzheimer's is characterized by the degeneration of healthy brain tissue resulting in memory loss and cognitive decline. The loss of memory alone is not a sure sign of Alzheimer's or another form of dementia, but it can serve as a warning signal. Because the earliest symptoms of the disease are gradual and often subtle, it is important that those over 65 be screened regularly to help differentiate possible dementia from the normal signs of aging.

Designated a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), South Nassau® Communities Hospital is one of the region's largest hospitals, with 455 beds, more than 900 physicians and 3,500 employees.  Located in Oceanside, NY, the hospital is an acute-care, not-for-profit teaching hospital that provides state-of-the-art care in cardiac, oncologic, orthopedic, bariatric, pain management, mental health and emergency services.  In addition to its extensive outpatient specialty centers, South Nassau provides emergency and elective angioplasty, and offers Novalis Tx™ and Gamma Knife® radiosurgery technologies.  A Level II Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons, South Nassau is a designated Stroke Center by the New York State Department of Health and Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the American College of Surgeons, and is an accredited center of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Association and Quality Improvement Program.  In addition, the hospital has been awarded the Joint Commission's gold seal of approval as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures, including heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care; and disease-specific care for hip and joint replacement, wound care and end-stage renal disease. For more information, visit www.southnassau.org.