NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), a national non-profit organization
whose mission is to provide optimal care and services to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers and
families, is teaming up with Kmart Pharmacy to offer free, confidential memory screenings nationwide. Throughout the entire month
of November — Alzheimer’s Awareness Month — all Kmart Pharmacy locations will offer free memory screenings.
“We are extremely happy to team up with Kmart to expand our Memory Screening program,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., president
and chief executive officer of AFA. “Kmart pharmacists play an instrumental role in the health and well-being of the community and
we are grateful that they will be providing this first step service in identifying potential memory issues.”
A memory screening is a simple, non-invasive cognitive test consisting of questions and tasks designed to gauge memory, language
and thinking skills. Screenings are appropriate for anyone who does not have a concern right now but wants to see how their memory
is currently for future comparisons. A screening is not a diagnosis; however, if a person scores below the normal threshold, he or
she will be referred to a primary care physician for a full evaluation. It is important to keep in mind that not all memory
problems are indicative of Alzheimer’s disease. Other sources of memory problems include vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues and
depression, which are treatable and in some cases, curable.
“AFA’s inspiring mission, combined with Kmart’s commitment to health and wellness, has brought together a great partnership,”
said Jennifer Speares, director of Pharmacy Compliance for Kmart. “Our hope is that through our combined efforts, the free National
Memory Screening program will encourage more people to learn about brain health and wellness, take advantage of free, confidential
memory screenings, and encourage others to do the same.”
There are many benefits to early detection of memory problems. If the diagnosis indicates cognitive impairment, that individual
can take an active role in developing their care plan and participate in legal and financial planning. In addition, it can also
afford the individual an opportunity to be a candidate for a clinical trial.
AFA works with thousands of sites across the country, year-round, to offer screenings. For more information, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org. To find a local Kmart
Pharmacy, visit pharmacy.kmart.com.
About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA):
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,600 member
organizations nationwide with the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their
caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers,
educational conferences and materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers, the National Memory Screening program, and “AFA
Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit
www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.
About Kmart:
Kmart is making shopping fun again. The retailer, a subsidiary
of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:SHLD), is bringing back the iconic Bluelight Specials, hosting Freebie Saturdays and in-store
family events for its Shop Your Way members and customers.
Kmart offers customers thrilling deals and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands including Jaclyn Smith, Joe
Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense.
CONTACTS: Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Amanda Secor 866-232-8484, ext. 121 asecor@alzfdn.org Sandy Silverstein 866-232-8484 x104 ssilverstein@alzfdn.org Kmart Tricia Perrotti 551-226-0488 tricia.perrotti@searshc.com