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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Alzheimer’s and dementia can be intimidating diseases to struggle with, and for many people, it’s often caught too late.

JRMC speech therapist Rebecca Gussiaas, is hoping to change that with a new service she is offering: Free memory screenings for people concerned about Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Early detection for Alzheimer’s and dementia is key.

Although dementia and Alzheimer’s share similar symptoms, dementia is not a specific disease, but a broad term describing a wide range of mental process disorders, such as memory loss, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. Alzheimer’s is a specific type of progressive dementia with no known cure. According to Alz.org, Alzheimer’s is the number one cause of dementia in adults, with 1 in 9 adults over 65 suffering from it.

Screenings are available by appointment from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Early detection means patients and families can create strategies and routine before significant memory loss occurs. Developing strategies for memory loss helps individuals maintain independence as long as possible, Gussiaas said. Such strategies include setting alarms, creating calendars and posting reminders.

“It’s a misconception that nothing can be done for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, we can provide a lot of memory strategies to help them maintain independence longer,” Gussiaas said.

For the memory screening, Gussiaas identifies weaknesses in short-term memory and long-term memory in the patient, once the screening process is complete, Gussiaas then has an accurate picture of what recommendations should be made.

“These early memory strategies can offer hope to patients and their families, and that’s what I want to do: provide hope,” Gussiaas said.

Children and nursing home staff play an important role in early detection says Gussiaas. Changes to watch for are: increased forgetfulness, memory loss, or speech changes.

In addition to free memory screenings, Gussiaas also offers pediatric screenings for parents concerned about speech impediments, (Stuttering or lisps) language delay, or overall language skills.

JRMC Rehabilitation Manager Tracy Anderson says that offering free pediatric screenings can offer peace of mind to parents who are concerned about their child.

“For those parents who are scared that their kid’s language skills are not developing, we can do a free screening and help guide those parents. We can give them recommendations,” said Anderson.

Regardless of what Gussiaas is treating, she stays focused on one thing- patient success.

“I am here to help the patient succeed. Their success is my success,” said Gussiaas.

Patients or parents interested in a free screening can contact JRMC Rehab at (701) 952-4800.