Silverado in Calabasas offers free memory screening

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, in conjunction with Silverado Senior Living, will offer free memory screening from noon to 6 p.m. Tues., Nov. 18 at the assisted living center at 25100 Calabasas Road, Calabasas.

The event is part of a nationwide effort to promote the need for early detection in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias.

According to experts, Alzheimer's is an epidemic, affecting more than five million Americans alone, and that number is expected to more than triple by 2050.

Dr. Meril Plazter, expert in the field of neurology and a specialist in Alzheimer's disease, said that through early detection a patient could conceivably prolong the timeline of the disease for two to five years. She believes that Alzheimer's might be a function of normal aging.

"We know that age is the number one factor of this diagnosis, with genetics coming in second," she said. A person might have the propensity for Alzheimer's already present in the brain, though it hasn't yet surfaced.

Early detection allows easily treatable factors such as exercise, diet, or vitamins to be incorporated into daily living. If needed, medications can be introduced.

Eric J. Hall, president and CEO for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, said "Checking your brain health is just as critical as checking the health of the rest of your body. If you are experiencing memory problems, it's better to learn the cause earlier rather than later."

For more information, call (818) 222-1000 or visit www.silveradosenior.com.