Morton Plant Mease Memory Disorders Center to Offer Free Memory Screenings

CLEARWATER, Fla., (January 21, 2013) - Forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. Some people experience mild forgetfulness, while others have serious memory problems.

Memory screenings are a significant first step toward finding out whether someone may have a memory problem. Memory problems could be caused by Alzheimer’s disease, medical conditions, or emotional problems.

The Madonna Ptak Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Morton Plant Mease will provide free memory screenings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, at the Enoch Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Screenings take about 20 min. Registration is recommended. To register, call the center at (727) 953-9256.

Memory screenings are a helpful tool in initially identifying memory problems. A screening can check a person’s memory and other thinking skills, and indicate whether someone might benefit from a more complete medical visit. It is not recommended that the screenings be used to diagnose particular illnesses, and they should not replace consultation with a qualified physician or other health care professional.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, and it accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

About Morton Plant Mease
Nationally recognized for health care excellence, Morton Plant Mease Health Care is dedicated to providing community owned health care services that set the standard for high-quality, compassionate care. Morton Plant Mease Health Care is comprised of the following hospitals – Morton Plant, Clearwater; Mease Dunedin, Dunedin; Mease Countryside, Safety Harbor and Morton Plant North Bay, New Port Richey.

About BayCare Health System
BayCare Health System is a leading community-based health system in the Tampa Bay area. Composed of a network of 11 not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and services such as imaging, lab, behavioral health and home health care, BayCare provides expert medical care throughout a patient’s lifetime. With more than 200 access points conveniently located throughout Tampa Bay, BayCare connects patients to a complete range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for any health care need. 

BayCare’s family of hospitals are: Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony’s, St. Joseph’s, St. Joseph’s Children’s, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, St. Joseph’s Women’s, South Florida Baptist, and Winter Haven. For more information, visit BayCare on the Web at www.BayCare.org.