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NASW Supports National Memory Screening Day; Social Work Plays Key Role
NASW is pleased to continue its support for National Memory Screening Day (NMSD), an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). The purpose of this annual observance--scheduled for November 17, 2009—is to promote early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses, and to encourage appropriate intervention for people affected by dementia. On this day, AFA collaborates with organizations and health care professionals, including social workers, to provide free, confidential memory screenings, educational materials, and follow-up resources to people concerned about memory loss. Screening does not constitute diagnosis or replace comprehensive exam; rather, screening can serve as a cue that a comprehensive exam might be warranted.
AFA provides a free resource packet, including sample screening tools, provider instructions, and publicity materials, to all participating sites. According to screening site survey responses, social workers constituted the largest group of health professionals involved in NMSD 2008, conducting memory screenings at almost half the sites completing AFA’s follow-up survey. These social workers provided a crucial link to individuals and families who may not have discussed memory loss with a health care provider prior to being screened. Please click visit http://www.nationalmemoryscreening.org to learn how you or your organization can participate in memory screenings, or to find a site in your community to which you can refer clients.
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