November is Alzheimer’s Awareness month with National Memory Screening Day taking place next week. Detecting Alzheimer’s early is paramount since an early diagnosis can help prolong the quality of life for patients. Watching a loved one suffer with Alzheimer’s can be painful. My grandmother had Alzheimer’s for many years. It was hard to watch this vibrant, lovely women turn into someone who was nothing like my grandmother.

November 13th is National Memory Screening Day. It’s the day set aside each year during Alzheimer’s month to encourage people to either get screened or bring a loved one to be screened for Alzheimer’s. Early detection can mean that care and plan for living with Alzheimer’s can be developed. Hopefully one day there will be a cure, and no one will have to suffer with this horrible disease. Until that time, screening for Alzheimer’s and raising awareness of it are vital to make sure those who have it get the care the need. What better holiday gift than to take a loved one to get screened?

You can find a screening location near you by visiting the National Screening Memory website. Our memory is so important to us, and as we get older it’s important to do what we can to keep our memories of our loved ones intact. We can all follow the steps of successful aging. Most of what is on the list are concepts and suggestions that we have heard many times. It’s all about eating healthy, exercising, and keeping active. It is good, though, to be reminded of the importance of exercising for at least 30 minutes a day or taking a multi-vitamin. Also, there have been studies that show working a daily crossword puzzle is good for your memory.

Early detection can mean better care and treatment of Alzheimer’s. This is the perfect month to get screened and/or make a donation to help find a cure. Hopefully one day there will be a cure for Alzheimer’s.