*alzheimer's awareness month*

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. This is an important month, because Alzheimer’s is such a devastating disease. It will take someone you love and turn him into someone you never knew, and someone who never knew you. Like many diseases, though, Alzheimer’s disease can be controlled better when it is caught earlier. Alzheimer’s is caught through a memory screening. Therefore, I cannot underemphasize the importance of memory screenings.

Memory screenings are a safe and simple evaluation tool that will assess your memory and other intellectual functions. It is appropriate for anyone who feels that they may be at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the results of your memory screening, you and your physician can determine an appropriate treatment plan for you.

The best holiday gift you can give yourself and your family is the reassurance that you do not have Alzheimer’s disease, or the early discovery and early treatment of your Alzheimer’s disease. November 13 is National Memory Screening Day 2007. By following these links, you can find a screening facility in your area.

If you believe you are at risk for Alzheimer’s, there are many things you can do today to help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. First of all, of course, you should eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Second, now is the time to develop a new skill. Learn to play a musical instrument. Learn to create craft projects or pieces of artwork. Take a course at your local community college. You can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Finally, remain in regular communication with your physician. Your physician can help you determine the best treatment plan for preventing Alzheimer’s disease. Get regular memory screenings, and share the results with your physician. Volunteer for neuropsychological tests and brain imaging scans regularly, to determine any changes in brain structure. Also, just in case you are ever diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, make arrangements for your care so that your children will not be forced to make those difficult decisions.