French

MEDIA CENTRE

Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 29, 2009

RICHMOND HILL, ON— The Alzheimer's Foundation for Caregiving in Canada's (AFCC) inaugural National Memory Screening Day, which took place on November 18, 2008, showed that the majority of participants (65 percent) who underwent free screening were concerned about their memory, but only 12 percent had previously discussed the issue with their primary healthcare professional. Nearly one in four (24.1 percent) of those who were screened had below normal scores and were referred to their healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Introduced by AFCC order to promote the early detection of memory problems and to educate the public about memory concerns, successful aging and resources, the non-diagnostic screenings took place at local sites throughout Canada including more than 50 Wal-Mart and 10 London Drug pharmacies, as well as retirement and nursing homes and health care professional offices.

Approximately 1,000 people took advantage of the free confidential screenings, and several thousand other picked up educational materials or contacted AFCC for additional resources.

Based on the success of the event, AFCC also announced today that it will be holding National Memory Screening Day annually, and beginning in 2009, it will take place in June, rather than November, to coincide with Seniors' Month. AFCC's second annual screening day is set for Tuesday, June 23.

“Our population is aging and with that comes an increased risk of memory issues,” said Taras Rohatyn, AFCC's President. “It is becoming more and more critical that Canadians feel comfortable talking about their memory problems – and it is vital that they act on them. While n ot all memory complaints are Alzheimer's disease, the earlier an individual knows exactly what the problem is, the earlier he or she can be treated, plan for the future and embrace those social support programs already in place.”

On National Memory Screening Day, healthcare professionals administered the face-to-face non-invasive screenings, which consist of a series of questions and tasks. The screening results do not represent a diagnosis, and those participants with below-normal scores or who still had concerns, were referred to their primary healthcare providers.

Screening participants were also asked to partake in a voluntary survey to help AFCC learn more about their attitudes toward memory screening and their behaviours. Most of those who took part in the screening (82 percent) were between the ages of 50 and 75. Highlights from the informal survey showed that:

•  One in five (18.5%) of participants achieved below normal scores

•  People came in for screening because they:

•  Noticed that they are more forgetful (46 percent)

•  Wanted to check their memory and get a baseline for future screening (40 percent)

•  Have relatives with Alzheimer's disease (21 percent)

•  90 percent said their health care providers had never given them a memory screening before.

Rohatyn said it was significant to release the survey results this month which is Alzheimer Awareness Month

“The results underscore the benefits of memory screenings, especially as a first step toward proper diagnosis. AFCC is committed to raising awareness of memory concerns in general and Alzheimer's disease in particular year-round, including holding events like National Memory Screening Day in June” he said.

National Memory Screening Day last year was sponsored by OVOS Natural Health Inc., as a platinum sponsor and Lundbeck Canada Inc. as a remembrance sponsor.

About the AFCC

The Alzheimer's Foundation for Caregiving in Canada (AFCC) is a national not-for profit charity headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario and provides programs to meet the educational, emotional, practical and social needs of its caregiver member organization who service families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses. For additional information please www.alzfdn.ca .

PLEASE CONTACT :

Robert Appleton
Director of Development & Communication
1-877-321-2594
afcc-pr@alzfdn.ca