Piece of pie for peace of mind

Memory Screening Day is Nov. 2 at St. Benedict’s Senior Community

St. Benedict’s Senior Community and CentraCare Health Home Care & Hospice encourages everyone to be proactive about memory health. Join us for pie, coffee and information about memory loss from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Bonn Great Room, St. Benedict’s Senior Community, 1810 Minnesota Blvd. SE.

Schedule:

2-3 p.m.	Complimentary pie & coffee, memory screenings and community resources
3-4 p.m.	Presentation on Caregiver Stress by Mark Reese, MA, LMFT
4-5 p.m.	Memory screenings and community resources

Memory Screening Day is free and open to the public. Screening appointment is needed, please call (320) 654-2355. Qualified health care professionals administer the screenings, which consist of a series of questions and tasks, and take five to ten minutes. Screening results are not a diagnosis, and individuals with below-normal scores or who have concerns are encouraged to pursue a full medical exam.

This event is part of National Memory Screening Day (NMSD), an annual initiative that the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) holds each November during National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. The event encourages Americans to participate by offering screenings at no charge and in convenient locations in communities across the nation. National Memory Screening Program also provides a valuable opportunity to learn more about healthy lifestyle choices for successful aging.

Why are memory screenings important?

• Memory screenings are a significant first step toward finding out if a person may have a memory problem. Memory problems could be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions.
• A memory screening is not used to diagnose any particular illness and does not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional. However, it is very helpful. A screening can check a person’s memory and other thinking skills. It can indicate if someone might benefit from a more complete medical visit.
• It is very important to identify the disease or problem that is causing memory loss. That is why a person should follow up for a complete checkup with a qualified healthcare professional.
• Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In general, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat one of these conditions.
• Early recognition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—mild memory loss that may eventually lead to dementia —provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to treat this condition, and possibly slow down the changes in memory and other thinking skills.
• Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease can improve quality of life. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can learn more about the disease, including available and emerging medical treatments; get counseling and other social services support in their community; address legal, financial and other planning issues; and have more of a say in decision-making. Caregivers and other family members can take advantage of community services, such as support groups, which can help them feel better—physically and emotionally. They can discuss treatment, future care and other issues with their loved ones, rather than having to make decisions on their own.

This event is sponsored by St. Benedict’s Senior Community and CentraCare Health Home Care & Hospice. To schedule a Memory Screening, call (320) 654-2355.

About St. Benedict’s Senior Community

St. Benedict’s Senior Community in St. Cloud houses more than 500 people throughout its facilities, which include a unit specializing in Alzheimer’s care, long-term care, short-stay care suites, assisted living apartments, independent apartments, residential memory care and income-based independent apartments. For more information, call (320) 252-0010.

St. Benedict’s Senior Community in Monticello includes 59 independent living apartments, 61 assisted living apartments and 30 memory care apartments. For more information, call (763) 295-4051.

In addition, Chateau Waters in Sartell includes 72 independent living apartments, and 24 Therapy Suites. For more information, call (320) 654-2352 or visit chateauwaters.com.

About CentraCare Health Home Care & Hospice
CentraCare Health Home Care & Hospice Services provides care and comfort to assist patients in staying safely at home. The dedicated staff of professionals is sensitive to the needs of patients and their families. The staff provides high-quality medical care and emotional support while encouraging independent living. CentraCare Health Home Care & Hospice Services provides care for those living within a 45-mile radius of St. Cloud.

About the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a national nonprofit organization that unites more than 1,600 member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include counseling and referrals by licensed social workers via a toll-free hot line, e-mail, Skype and live chat; educational materials; a free quarterly magazine for caregivers; and professional training. For more information about AFA, call toll-free 866-AFA-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.