Free Memory Screenings Offered by County

This just in from Hillsborough County officials:

Hillsborough County Aging Services will offer free, confidential memory screenings, educational materials, and follow-up resources at five Senior Center sites on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. as part of National Memory Screening Day.

The screenings are for anyone concerned about memory loss or problems, those who may be experiencing warning signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, or those who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness. Anyone who would like a screening for a future comparison may also participate.

The memory screenings will be offered at the following Senior Centers:

• Lutz Senior Center, 112 NW 1st Ave., Lutz, 813-264-3803
• Oaks at Riverview Senior Center, 101 E. Kirby St., Tampa, 813-272-6829
• Phyllis H. Busansky Senior Center, 4102 W. Spruce St., Tampa, 813-554-5160
• Brandon Senior Center, 612 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, 813-635-8066
• Ruskin Senior Center, 901 6th St., SE, Ruskin, 813-672-1107

Anyone interested in participating in the screenings must call one of the Senior Centers listed and make an appointment. For other times and locations in the Tampa Bay area, go to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America website and click on National Memory Screening Day. The results do not represent a diagnosis, and screeners encourage individuals with below-normal scores, as well as those who still have concerns, to pursue a full medical exam.

According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, an estimated 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, which causes loss of memory and other intellectual functions. With age as the greatest known risk factor, the incidence of the disease doubles every five years between 65 and 95.