Alzheimer's disease is one of the most feared diseases among
older adults, and this fear can harm someone by delaying
diagnosis, according to Carol Steinberg, executive vice
president of the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. "Not all
memory concerns are Alzheimer's disease. Some memory problems
are indicators of reversible conditions like depression, thyroid
problems or vitamin deficiency," Steinberg said. "Other memory
problems do result from irreversible conditions like Alzheimer's
disease. That's why it's critical to find out what's really
going on." A memory screening, whether done at a health care
professional's office or at a screening site on National Memory
Screening Day, is a first step toward proper diagnosis,
Steinberg said. This year, National Memory Screening Day is Nov.
13, but many groups will hold events on other dates in November,
which is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, Steinberg
said. Ventura County venues include the SCAN Senior Resource
Center in Ventura, Aegis of Ventura a