According to Rome Memorial Hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Community Education Manager Greg Jones, a memory screening is an important first step in determining if a person has a memory problem. In observance of National Memory Screening Day, Jones will be conducting free memory screenings Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Ava Dorfman Senior Citizens Civic Center, 305 E. Locust St.

The screenings will be conducted every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. An appointment can be made by calling the Center at 337-8230.

"Anyone who is concerned about memory loss, whose family and friends have noticed changes in them, or have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness can benefit from a memory screening," Jones said.

The screening is also advantageous for people who do not have a particular concern, but want to see how their memory is now. The evaluation provides a baseline for future comparisons.

"A memory screening is an early detector of problems or diseases that cause memory loss," Jones explained. "The screening can determine if a person should follow up with their healthcare provider."

The confidential mini mental status exam takes 10 ­ 15 minutes and tests memory, language skills, thinking ability, and other intellectual functions.

Jones earned his bachelor of arts degree in sociology from St. Lawrence University in 2001. He has seven years experience working with dementia units at various skilled nursing facilities.

He joined Rome Memorial Hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit in January 2008.

Located on the hospital’s second floor, the 11-bed Senior Behavioral Health Unit is a secure therapeutic environment that provides health care for seniors who have depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Treatment includes prescribed medications, psychotherapy, and other activities to help the seniors regain their well-being.

National Memory Screening Day is an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The Foundation estimates that Alzheimer’s disease affects 2.4 million to 4.5 million Americans. It is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.