Are you concerned about Alzheimer's?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) November 2, 2010 -- Visiting Angels in Ann Arbor is partnering with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to provide free memory screenings on National Memory Screening Day, November 16th.

Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's every 70 seconds. Alzheimer's is only one cause of dementia. Some causes of dementia can be reversible, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies, or thyroid problems. Whether a person is suffering from reversible memory loss or permanent and progressive loss, early detection and diagnosis are necessary for the best outcomes.

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Are you concerned about Alzheimer's?

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http://www.visitingangels.com/annarbor

The owner of Visiting Angels Ann Arbor, Angil Tarach-Ritchey, is a national expert in eldercare, registered nurse, and geriatric care manager with over 30 years experience. She understands the fear and difficulties families face when seeking a diagnosis, and the life change that is inevitable if Alzheimer's is diagnosed.

"I have met many families and patients who say they or their loved one has dementia. When I ask for the cause I often see a look like a deer in the headlights, and then hear "I don't know? You mean there are different causes?" Some primary care physicians are too quick to diagnose someone with dementia or Alzheimer's without a thorough workup and evaluation. I've even met with clients and families who have not even seen a physician for a diagnosis. They assume Alzheimer's due to apparent memory loss. Unless someone has a thorough diagnostic evaluation, assuming memory loss is permanent or Alzheimer's can be detrimental to the person suffering from memory loss. I always ask, "what IF the memory loss is reversible?" What if it could be reversed by vitamins, or thyroid medication?", said Tarach-Ritchey.

Of course with the rather shocking statistics of Alzheimer's diagnosis, many will not receive such good news, but even if the news is permanent and progressive early diagnosis can get the person on a medication regimen that may slow the progression, help the patient function better, and can help everyone involved accept and prepare for the future at a much earlier and crucial time for intervention. The statistics show that early diagnosis in reversible and permanent dementia is much more beneficial and effective.

So for the first time this November 16th, Visiting Angels, a private duty homecare agency in Ann Arbor, is partnering with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America to provide free Memory Screenings from 10am- 4pm. There are located at;
Visiting Angels
2860 Carpenter Rd. Suite 300.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(Located in the Sparrow Wood Office Center)

Visiting Angels will be offering referrals for thorough diagnostic screening if indicated, educational materials, 2 video presentations on "Communicating with persons with Alzheimers and dementia", and light refreshments.

The video presentations will be held at 11am and 1 pm and are approximately one hour. These presentations are excellent and will definitely benefit families possibly facing permanent dementia or those whose loved one has already been diagnosed. Tarach-Ritchey said, "We use these presentations as part of our staff training and always receive excellent feedback from even our most experienced staff. Appropriate communication techniques help provide dignity and respect for the person suffering from dementia as well as help family caregiver's reduce their stress. Alzheimer's and dementia are very difficult diseases that require knowledge and training to have the best quality of life for all involved. Uneducated family members often find themselves arguing with a disease, frustrated by ineffective communication, while being increasingly short tempered with their affected loved one. This leaves the affected person feeling hurt, embarrassed, and depressed. It's amazing how learning and applying effective communication techniques can change everything for the better. Most of the frustration, stress, and even anger can be eliminated with education. Unless you work in this field, how would you know the best and most appropriate ways to deal with a loved one's memory loss, functional loss, and even behavior issues?"

Angil hopes their partnership with the Alzheimer's Foundation of America for National Memory Screening Day will help those in their community who are concerned with memory loss get diagnosed earlier, or ease their minds. "We also hope that families of diagnosed loved ones will take advantage of the educational materials and presentations. Any increased awareness of Alzheimer's is beneficial to those who one day may face this dreaded disease and towards increased funding for research. Lots of new information is being found through research that will bring us closer to causes, treatments, and hopefully a cure. I can' think of a more difficult and life stealing disease than Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's isn't a patients disease, it is a disease that affects us all in one way or another.

For more information go tohttp://www.nationalmemoryscreening.org/

More information can be found online at http://www.visitingangels.com/annarbor

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