Memory Screenings Are a Proactive Step in Maintaining Cognitive Health
In recognition of National Memory Screening Day, Texas Tech Physicians Internal Medicine, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), will offer free, confidential memory screenings for members of the Panhandle community from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 20), in the first-floor lobby of Texas Tech Physicians, located at 1400 South Coulter St. This event aims to increase public awareness of memory health and provide early detection resources for those who may be at risk for memory impairment.
“People should think about memory screening, first and foremost, if they believe they might be experiencing issues with memory function,” Brian Weis, M.D., regional dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, said. “This concern might come from noticing changes themselves or from family members expressing concern. We all experience diminishing memory function as we get older, but for most, this doesn’t indicate a major problem.”
Memory screenings are quick, simple and non-invasive and involve a series of questions which assess memory and other cognitive functions. Much like routine health screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol or skin health, memory screenings provide a helpful baseline for cognitive health. While the results do not diagnose any specific condition, they can indicate whether further evaluation with a physician may be beneficial.
“It’s like taking your memory for a test drive,” Weis said. “The screening is a simple series of questions that test how well you remember things in the short term and the long term. It’s painless and doesn’t require any special equipment. Some questions ask you to recall events from years ago, while others check your memory of things presented to you earlier in the test.”
Early detection of memory issues is crucial, as many underlying conditions can impact memory. Some of these, including vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety and depression, are treatable or potentially reversible.
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“It is important to remember that memory can be affected by many factors, such as medications, depression or brain trauma like concussions,” Weis said. “It does not always mean that a person is developing a dementia such as Alzheimer’s. Since there are several treatable or reversible causes of memory issues, early detection can allow health care providers to assess possible causes and look for solutions.”
According to the AFA, memory loss and other cognitive issues can stem from various medical conditions, many of which are treatable if diagnosed early. Memory screenings can help distinguish between normal age-related forgetfulness and potential health concerns that may require further evaluation. National Memory Screening Day is held annually on Nov. 18.
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Additionally, we welcome you to cover the event on Wednesday morning. Mayor Cole Stanley will issue a proclamation at 8 a.m. and the event will begin after his and Dr. Weis’s remarks. Hope to see you there!
Let me know if you have any questions!
Meaghan Collier
Director of Community Engagement | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Amarillo | External Relations
Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy | Room 325
1400 South Coulter | STOP: 230 | Amarillo, TX 79109
meaghan.collier@ttuhsc.edu
C: 806-681-6274
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