Alzheimer’s Family Center Now Offering Free Memory Screenings In Orange County

Memory screenings are a check-up for your brain. They should be done every year, just like blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

[Press Release] Huntington Beach, California — Findings from the Alzheimer’s Association 2019 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report shows that only 16% of seniors received regular cognitive assessments during routine health check-ups, yet 91% were screened for high blood pressure and 83% for high cholesterol. This reality is the reason why Alzheimer’s Family Center (AFC) in Huntington Beach has expanded its program of memory screenings.

Research shows that the changes in the brain leading to dementia occur seven years on average before diagnosis, yet early intervention offers the best chance for delaying disease progression and maintaining quality of life. AFC offers free memory screenings aimed at helping to identify possible memory loss and changes in cognition as early as possible.

“Getting a memory screening is quick and simple,” says Cheryl Alvarez, Psy.D., AFC’s Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health. “Unfortunately, there is still a stigma associated with dementia. Our memory screenings are a check-up for your brain. They should be done every year, just like blood pressure and cholesterol checks.”

During the 15-minute screening, a trained professional administers a questionnaire that is clinically designed to determine whether concerns may be related to normal aging or warrant an additional evaluation. Results are presented immediately and are not meant to be a diagnosis. Screenings are completely confidential.

The program has helped over 300 participants since it launched, and about 50% were referred on for further assessment by a clinician.

The memory screenings are offered by appointment in these locations:

• Every Tuesday at Alzheimer’s Family Center
  9451 Indianapolis Avenue
  Huntington Beach, California 92646
• Every Friday at Mind & Memory Program at Mission Hospital
  27800 Medical Center Rd, Suite 108
  Mission Viejo, California 92691
• Every second Monday of the month at Laguna Woods Village
  24122 Moulton Pkwy
  Laguna Woods, California 92637
• Last Friday of the month at Palm Island Senior Living Apartments
  11300 Warner Avenue
  Fountain Valley, California 92708

Anyone interested in scheduling a Memory Screening is encouraged to call (714) 593-9630.