To help Queens residents be proactive about their brain health, the Queens Public Library and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host three free memory screenings in Glen Oaks, East Flushing and Bellerose in September.
“Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine, regardless of whether you’re experiencing memory problems. Just as we regularly check other facets of our health, we need a checkup from the neck up, too,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., president and CEO of AFA. “We are pleased to work with the Queens Public Library to provide this free service to the community.”
The event is open to everyone with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.
Screening events will take place on:
Monday, Sept. 11
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Queens Public Library at Glen Oaks (Lower Level Meeting Room)
256-04 Union Tpke.
Monday, September 18
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Queens Public Library at East Flushing (Meeting Room)
196-36 Northern Blvd.
Thursday, September 28
2 to 4 p.m.
Queens Public Library at Bellerose
250-6 Hillside Ave.
Memory screenings are quick (approximately 10-15 minutes), non-invasive and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions.
They are similar to other routine health screenings, such as those for blood pressure, cholesterol and skin checks. Screenings are administered one on one by a qualified professional, and results are confidential and provided immediately at the end of the screening. Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.
Early detection of memory impairments is extremely important. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety and depression.
Even in the case of a dementia-related illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments that can help slow the symptoms of the disease, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as therapeutic programming, which can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial and health care decisions.
Individuals wishing to get screened are encouraged to make an appointment by calling AFA’s memory screening department at 866-232-8484 or visiting alzfdn.org/queenslibrary (walk-ins will be accepted as time permits). Screenings can be provided in multiple languages.
Individuals wishing to get a free memory screening on Sept. 11, Sept. 18, or Sept. 28, or who would like to learn more about the importance of memory screenings, should contact AFA’s memory screening department at 866-232-8484 or visit alzfdn.org/queenslibrary.
