Organizations should become memory screening sites to help bridge the gap in early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and address the critical need for early detection of cognitive impairment, particularly in underserved and unserved communities that face significant barriers to healthcare access. Memory screenings are quick, confidential, and noninvasive tools that help identify early signs of cognitive impairment or memory loss that may lead to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, allowing for timely intervention, better care planning, and connection to essential support services.
Many communities including low-income individuals, rural communities, ethnic and racial minorities, and older adults with limited healthcare access are disproportionately affected by dementia, yet often lack the resources for early diagnosis. By offering screenings, organizations help bridge these healthcare gaps, empowering individuals with knowledge about their cognitive health and improving health equity.
Becoming a memory screening site also demonstrates corporate social responsibility, enhances employee and community well-being, and positions the organization as a leader in public health advocacy. Early detection not only improves quality of life for individuals and families but also helps reduce long-term healthcare costs, easing the burden on both communities and the healthcare system.
Benefits
- Taking cognitive screenings out of the doctor’s office
- May improve Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care
- Bringing free cognitive screenings into the community, no insurance required
- May be an effective first line approach to removing barriers to the diagnosis and care for cognitive issues affecting brain health, create partnerships with community organizations who can help facilitate evaluations and dementia diagnosis
- Provide information workshops on brain health and other available resources
- The opportunity to detect a treatable cause of memory change early
- Memory Screening in the community can normalize getting a baseline measure and reminds people to get a follow up if needed, changes the setting and changes the messenger. It is an opportunity to provide personalized tailored information about a variety of topics such as brain health, normal aging and healthy aging
Features
- 10 to 15 minutes test
- Your choice of screening test
- Simple and safe healthy brain checkup that test for memory and other thinking skills
- The evaluation tool uses a series of questions and or tasks designed to test memory, language skills, thinking ability and other intellectual functions
- Open to anyone whether they have current memory concerns are at risk for dementia or want to see how their memory is now for future comparisons it is
- Not a diagnosis of any particular illness, but offers a baseline of a person’s cognitive functioning
- Completely confidential
Who Can Perform Memory Screenings
- Qualified healthcare professionals
- Primary Care Physicians
- Social workers
- Pharmacists
- Nurses and Nurse practitioners
- Physician Assistants
- Neurologists
- Psychologists
- Geriatricians
- Dementia Care Administrators
- Occupational Therapists
- Medical School Students
- Health and Human Services professionals
- Individuals Holding a Master of Public Health (MPH) Degree
- Speech-Language Pathologists
Benefits of a Memory Screening
- Early detection and diagnosis can confirm the source of memory problems
- Early use of treatments to postpone or control symptoms
- Slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease with medications when used in the early stages of the disease
- Plan health care options
- Helps caregivers to learn about the disease and how to manage caregiving
- Opportunity to make lifestyle changes to maintain mental and physical health
- Create a safety plan for the home
Types of Organizations That can Become Memory Screening Sites:
- The Chambers of Commerce
- Rotary Clubs
- Libraries
- Houses of Worship
- Senior Centers
- YMCAs and YWCAs
- Long Term Care Facilities
- Hospitals, Clinics
- AARP Chapters
- Major Employers
- Area Agency on Aging
- Local Government Agencies
Note: A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional.
Apply to become an AFA memory screening site by clicking here to fill out the registration form or contact AFA’s Memory Screening Department at 866-232-8484.