November 2007 Vol. 26. No. 11

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Creativity in the Garden
Medicare’s annual enrollment period
Not quite a scam
Public safety
Alzheimer’s Month
Veterans Day

Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue!

Brought to you by

Alzheimer’s Month
Candlelighting Nov. 8

Join us at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, to light candles honoring families affected by dementia and raise funds for the New Alzheimer’s Center.

The National Commemorative Candle Lighting is a project of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

For a $10 donation you can purchase a candle to light. Write the name of a loved one on a luminaria to help surround the site of the New Alzheimer’s Center with the light of hope. Add a message of hope, love or remembrance to the burning bowl ceremony.

The event will take place at Humboldt Senior Resource Center, 1910 California St., Eureka. Info: 443-9747.

Memory Screenings Nov. 13

Free memory screenings will be offered on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at six locations throughout Humboldt County. If you are concerned that you or someone you love may have memory problems, please call to schedule a confidential 20-minute appointment.

This event is part of National Memory Screening Day, a program of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America that promotes early detection and intervention.

Of all the health concerns that can arise as we age, memory problems are perhaps the most distressing. If you do not have dementia but fear you do, memory screening can relieve your concerns. While a memory screening cannot diagnose any particular illness, it can be a significant first step toward early detection of Alzheimer’s disease or another condition.

Many conditions that cause dementia are reversible. Memory can be affected by factors ranging from stress and lack of sleep to vitamin deficiencies, depression or thyroid problems. In general, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat the problem.

Early diagnosis is equally important if someone does have irreversible dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Available medications work best the earlier they are given. Early detection allows patients to access support services and make important decisions about their care and other planning issues. Caregivers and family members are also able to access services such as support groups.

Although no one wants to think about the possibility of having dementia, a memory screening can begin to provide answers.

• To schedule appointments in Eureka, Arcata, or Hydesville, call 443-9747.

• For appointments in McKinleyville, call 839-0191.

• For appointments in Fortuna, call 725-6927, ext. 208.

• For appointments in Willow Creek, call 530-629-3141.