The Atrium to Host Dementia Live Program and Memory Screenings

AGAWAM ­— To mark the longest day of the year, the Atrium at Cardinal Drive will host a free public event to spread Alzheimer’s disease awareness. For those facing Alzheimer’s, every night and day may seem like the longest. On Wednesday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (by appointment), the Atrium will offer memory screenings and a new program at Benchmark Senior Living called Dementia Live at 153 Cardinal Dr. in Agawam.

Dementia Live offers families, caregivers, and professionals the opportunity to briefly, yet movingly, experience the challenges and struggles of a person living with dementia. Using specialized gear within a safe, experiential setting, Dementia Live provides participants a real life-simulation of what it must be like to live with dementia. Participants gain greater awareness and understanding of the constant struggles affecting people with dementia. Greater understanding leads to more sensitive care partnering.

A memory screening is a simple, safe, face-to-face evaluation tool that checks memory and other thinking skills. The screening consists of a series of questions and/or tasks designed to test memory, language skills, thinking ability, and other intellectual functions. Memory screenings are appropriate for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia, whose family and friends have noticed changes in them, or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness.

Call (413) 821-9911 to register for an appointment to experience Dementia Live or to schedule a memory screening.