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Many experts now recommend that people of a certain age have a “memory” screening on a regular basis, much as women now have annual mammogram screenings or men have prostate exams. In keeping with this screening recommendation, Bucker Retirement Services will offer free memory screenings for the public in Longview, Texas, on Oct. 23 as part of an Alzheimer’s Symposium and awareness event.

The event and screenings will be held at Buckner Westminster Place, 2201 Horseshoe Lane, Longview, 75605. The Alzheimer's Symposium, which includes several educational speakers, will be held from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Free memory screenings will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. To sign up in advance for a free screening appointment, individuals may phone 1-800-381-4551 or 214-758-8192. Online signup is also available at www.bucknerretirement.org. Screenings will be available to drop-ins on a space-available basis only.

Speakers at the educational event will include Dr. Samuel Brinkman, Texas neuropsychologist and creator of the GrayMatters® Assessment System; Dr. Pearl Merritt, president of Buckner Retirement Services Inc.; and Dr. Richard Taylor, psychologist and author of the book Alzheimer’s From the Inside Out (www.healthprogress.com).

Dr. Taylor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s-type dementia seven years ago. He often speaks to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers about what it’s like to live with dementia and how friends and family can help. He was recently featured in the Houston Chronicle: (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/5783431.html).

The memory testing will be conducted using the GrayMatters® Assessment System memory test (www.dementiascreening.com). The simple, touch screen computer test was developed by Dr. Brinkman, who has spent more than 30 years in the evaluation and treatment of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Dr. Brinkman, who will be speaking at the Longview event, developed the test as a way to more easily identify the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The test takes about 20 minutes and requires no prior computer skills or experience. People whose testing indicates a potential memory problem will be referred to their physician for further evaluation.

Dr. Brinkman advises that most people should have a baseline memory screening test in their 50s or early 60s. Screening is recommended every one to two years for people in their 60s and annually for those ages 70 and older. For people who are at greater risk (with identifiable risk factors such as a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s), annual screening should begin earlier.

Early screening and detection is important because medications can slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease – and they work best with early treatment. Also, in some cases, Alzheimer’s-like symptoms might be caused by a physical illness or problem that can be treated and even reversed – if detected early. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment, a longer period of independence and better quality of life.

Buckner Westminster Place, which is hosting the Longview Alzheimer’s event, is a Buckner Retirement Community. Buckner Retirement Services strives to enhance the lives of senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy lifestyle while maintaining residents’ independence and dignity.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sep 15, 2008

 Austin, TX, August 1, 2008: --  Is your aging parent just forgetful, or does he or she have early symptoms of Alzheimer’s or another dementia?  

Austin-area residents will have the opportunity to receive a free memory screening test with the GrayMatters® Assessment System (www.dementiascreening.com) during a special Alzheimer’s Awareness event to be held August 21, 2008, at Buckner Villas, a Buckner Retirement Community located at 11110 Tom Adams Drive, Austin, 78753. 

Nearly 5.2 million people in the United States are affected by dementia and memory loss, and nearly 10 million baby boomers will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment, a longer period of independence and better quality of life. 

Speakers at the educational event will include Dr. Samuel Brinkman, neuropsychologist and creator of the GrayMatters® Assessment System; Christian Wells of the Alzheimer’s Association – Capitol of Texas Chapter; Dr. Pearl Merritt, president of  Buckner Retirement Services Inc.; and Dr. Richard Taylor, psychologist and author of the book Alzheimer’s From the Inside Out (www.healthprogress.com).

Taylor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s-type dementia seven years ago. He often speaks to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers about what it’s like to live with dementia and how friends and family can help. He was recently featured in the Houston Chronicle: (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/5783431.html).

The speaker’s portion of the program will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with screenings offered from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. To sign up in advance for a free screening appointment, individuals can call 1-800-381-4551 or sign up online at www.bucknerretirement.org.  Screenings will be available to drop-ins on a space-available basis only.

The GrayMatters® Assessment System provides a quick, accurate, and affordable tool for identifying Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The simple memory screening test has been incorporated into an easy-to-use, touch-screen computer system. No computer knowledge is needed to take the test. It can be taken during a doctor’s office visit, with results available within minutes for the patient’s physician to review.   

Although Alzheimer’s disease currently has no cure, medications can slow the progress of the disease – and they work best with early treatment.  

“In some cases, Alzheimer’s-like symptoms might even be caused by a physical illness or problem that can be treated and even reversed – if detected early,” Brinkman said. “Potentially reversible dementias can be caused by such conditions as depression or B-12 deficiency. Effective screening leads to early detection and appropriate treatment.” 

Brinkman recommends screening on a regular basis before memory and other cognitive problems emerge.  

“Most people should have a baseline memory screening test in their 50s or early 60s,” Brinkman advises.  

Screening is recommended every one to two years for people in their 60s and annually for those ages 70 and older. For people who are at greater risk (with identifiable risk factors such as a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s), annual screening should begin earlier.

Buckner Retirement Services strives to enhance the lives of senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy lifestyle while maintaining residents’ independence and dignity.

Is your aging parent just forgetful, or does he or she have early symptoms of Alzheimer’s or another dementia?

Houston-area residents will have the opportunity to receive a free memory screening test with the GrayMatters® Assessment System (www.dementiascreening.com) during a special Alzheimer’s Awareness event to be held July 23, 2008, at Parkway Place, a Buckner Retirement Community located at 1321 Park Bayou Drive, Houston, 77077.

Nearly 5.2 million people in the United States are affected by dementia and memory loss, and nearly 10 million baby boomers will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment, a longer period of independence and better quality of life.

Speakers at the event will include Dr. Samuel Brinkman, neuropsychologist and creator of the GrayMatters® Assessment System; Dr. Holly Holmes, geriatrician from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Pearl Merritt, president of Buckner Retirement Services Inc.; and Dr. Richard Taylor, psychologist and author of the book Alzheimer’s From the Inside Out (www.healthprogress.com).

Taylor was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s-type dementia seven years ago. He often speaks to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers about what it’s like to live with dementia and how friends and family can help. He was recently featured in the Houston Chronicle: (www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/5783431.html).

The speaker’s portion of the program will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., with screenings offered throughout the day beginning at 9 a.m. To sign up for a free screening appointment, individuals can call 1-800-381-4551 or sign up online at www.bucknerretirement.org. All screenings will be conducted by appointment only.

The GrayMatters® Assessment System provides a quick, accurate, and affordable tool for identifying Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The simple memory screening test has been incorporated into an easy-to-use, touch-screen computer system. No computer knowledge is needed to take the test. It can be taken during a doctor’s office visit, with results available within minutes for the patient’s physician to review.

Although Alzheimer’s disease currently has no cure, medications can slow the progress of the disease – and they work best with early treatment.

“In some cases, Alzheimer’s-like symptoms might even be caused by a physical illness or problem that can be treated and even reversed – if detected early,” Brinkman said. “Potentially reversible dementias can be caused by such conditions as depression or B-12 deficiency. Effective screening leads to early detection and appropriate treatment.”

Brinkman recommends screening on a regular basis before memory and other cognitive problems emerge.

“Most people should have a baseline memory screening test in their 50s or early 60s,” Brinkman advises.

Screening is recommended every one to two years for people in their 60s and annually for those ages 70 and older. For people who are at greater risk (with identifiable risk factors such as a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s), annual screening should begin earlier.

Buckner Retirement Services strives to enhance the lives of senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy lifestyle while maintaining residents’ independence and dignity.

Pamela Percival, Percival Consulting
325-692-5744/ ppercival@sbcglobal.net

OR Vicki Hayhurt, Dementia Screening Inc.
325-677-3172/ vhayhurst@nxclinic.com

Neuropsychologist Samuel Brinkman, Ph.D., an expert in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, will participate in the 20th Annual Alzheimer's Association Public Policy Forum May 12-14, 2008, in Washington, D.C. The goal of those participating in the forum is to encourage lawmakers and other policy makers to recognize and address the Alzheimer’s emergency facing the United States. More information on the forum is available online at www.alz.org/publicpolicyforum/08/overview.asp.

While in Washington, Brinkman plans to attend a Congressional hearing on Alzheimer’s and visit with legislators on Capitol Hill to encourage them to support funding for Alzheimer’s research and programs.

“As we stand on the edge of major breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research, it is imperative that funding be available to translate these breakthroughs into clinical care, focusing on early detection and timely treatment," Brinkman said. 

Brinkman is a strong supporter of early detection and diagnosis of symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias because early detection can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems. That’s why Brinkman developed the GrayMatters® Assessment System (www.dementiascreening.com) – to provide a quick, accurate, and affordable tool for identifying Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems.

GrayMatters® is a simple memory screening test that has been incorporated into an easy-to-use, touch screen computer system. Screening is recommended every one to two years for people in their 60s and annually for those ages 70 and older. For people who are at greater risk (with identifiable risk factors such as a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s), annual screening should begin earlier.

DALLAS -- Early detection and diagnosis can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems. That’s why Texas neuropsychologist Samuel Brinkman, Ph.D, developed the GrayMatters® Assessment System (www.dementiascreening.com) – to provide a quick, accurate, and affordable tool for identifying Alzheimer’s disease and other memory problems.

Metroplex residents will have the opportunity to receive a free memory screening test with the GrayMatters® Assessment System during a special Alzheimer’s Awareness event to be held June 19, 2008, at Buckner Retirement Village, 4800 Samuell Blvd. in Dallas.  People can reserve an appointment for a free screening online at www.bucknerretirement.org or by phone at 1-800-381-4551.

"In some cases, Alzheimer’s-like symptoms might be caused by a physical illness or problem that can be treated and even reversed – if detected early," Brinkman said. "Effective screening leads to early detection and appropriate treatment."

Brinkman will give a short talk on updates in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. He will be joined by retired psychologist Richard Taylor, Ph.D, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and will talk about what it is like to live with and deal with the disease. Taylor is the author of Alzheimer’s from the Inside Out (www.healthpropress.com), a collection of essays that offers a rare glimpse into the often incomprehensible world of people living with Alzheimer’s.

""It is a privilege to host Dr. Brinkman and Dr. Taylor in Dallas to share their knowledge and experience with our community," said Dr. Pearl Merritt, president of Buckner Retirement Services. "Their passion for early detection and education fits with our desire to provide innovative, high-quality care for our residents."

GrayMatters® is a simple memory screening test that has been incorporated into an easy-to-use, touch screen computer system. No computer knowledge is needed to take the test. It can be taken during a doctor’s office visit, with results available within minutes for the patient’s physician to review. Because the test results are analyzed by the GrayMatters® system, routine memory screenings can even be provided by family physicians who have no specialized training in Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnoses. If the test reveals symptoms of memory problems, patients can be referred to an expert for further testing and treatment.

Screening is recommended every one to two years for people in their 60s and annually for those ages 70 and older. For people who are at greater risk (with identifiable risk factors such as a parent diagnosed with Alzheimer’s), annual screening should begin earlier.

Buckner Retirement Village is part of Buckner Retirement Services Inc., one of the leading retirement services organizations in Texas. Buckner owns and operates five retirement communities in Texas, including the first Green House® community in the state at Buckner Westminster Place in Longview. Buckner strives to enhance the lives of senior adults and their families by promoting an active, healthy lifestyle while maintaining residents’ independence and dignity.