Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Kmart Pharmacy Announce Program to Extend Memory Screening Access Nationwide
November 03 2017 - 2:35PM
All US Kmart Pharmacies to Offer Free
Memory Screenings During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in
November
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and Kmart Pharmacy are
teaming up to expand access to free, confidential memory screenings
throughout the month of November, which is Alzheimer’s Awareness
Month and National Memory Screening Month. All Kmart Pharmacy
locations in the US will serve as memory screening sites, where
individuals can get screened free of charge during normal business
hours.
“Memory screenings should be a regular part of an individual’s
annual wellness routine; it’s important that people get regular
checkups for their brains, just as they do for other parts of their
bodies,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President & CEO of the
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “We are grateful to Kmart
Pharmacy for once again helping us make memory screenings more
accessible and enabling thousands of people to take advantage of
this important health service.”
“Kmart Pharmacy understands the critical impact this would have
on our patients," said Jennifer Speares Lehman, RPh, Kmart
Pharmacy’s Senior Director of Compliance and Administration.
“As part of our 'Care Beyond the Counter' approach, and our quest
to continue our award winning service levels, Kmart Pharmacy more
deeply connects with our patients on issues that matter to them
most. Free Memory Screenings is definitely one of them.”
A memory screening is a simple, non-invasive test to check
cognitive health. The screening, which often takes as little
as 10 minutes, consists of questions and tasks designed to gauge
memory, language and thinking skills. A screening is not a
diagnosis; however, if a person scores below the normal threshold,
he or she will be referred to a primary care physician for a full
evaluation. It is important to keep in mind that not all memory
problems are indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Other sources of
memory problems include vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues and
depression, which are treatable and in some cases, curable.
If a memory problem does turn out to be Alzheimer’s, benefits to
early detection include affording an individual to participate in
developing his care plan, as well as take part in legal and
financial planning conversations. Early detection can also
allow someone to take advantage of treatments that can slow the
progression of symptoms or to participate in a clinical trial.
AFA and Kmart have partnered on the program in the past,
enabling over 15,000 people to get screened. Since its
inception in 2003, AFA’s National Memory Screening Program has
screened over 3.5 million people.
Individuals wishing to get screened can locate the nearest Kmart
Pharmacy by visiting pharmacy.kmart.com. AFA’s National
Memory Screening Program also offers additional sites, both during
November and throughout the year, which can be found by visiting
www.alzfdn.org.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
(AFA):The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New
York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,600
member organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal
care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their
caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free
helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers,
educational conferences and materials, a free quarterly magazine
for caregivers, the National Memory Screening program, and “AFA
Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare
professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484,
visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on
Facebook or LinkedIn.
About Kmart:Kmart is making shopping fun again.
The retailer, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation
(NASDAQ:SHLD), is bringing back the iconic Bluelight Specials,
hosting Freebie Saturdays and in-store family events for its Shop
Your Way members and customers. Kmart offers customers thrilling
deals and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands
including Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense.
CONTACT:Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Sandy Silverstein866-232-8484 x104ssilverstein@alzfdn.org