THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 21, 2025 Page 23 Sa nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller When to Worry About Your Memory Dear Savvy Senior, At age 70, I’ve become more and more forgetful lately and am concerned it may be an early sign of dementia. Are there any memory screening tools or services that you can recommend to help me gage my problem, without going to a neurologist? Forgetful Frank Dear Frank, Many older adults, like yourself, worry about memory lapses as they get older fearing it may be the fi rst signs of Alzheimer’s disease or some other type of dementia. To get some insight on the seriousness of your problem, here are some tips and resources you can turn to. Warning Signs As we grow older, some memory diffi culties – such as forgetting names or misplacing items from time to time – are associated with normal aging. But the symptoms of dementia are much more than simple memory lapses. While symptoms can vary greatly, people with dementia may have problems with shortterm memory, keeping track of a purse or wallet, paying bills, planning and preparing meals, remembering appointments or traveling out of the neighborhood. To help you recognize the difference between typical age-related memory loss and a more serious problem, the Alzheimer’s Association provides a list of 10 warning signs that you can assess at 10signs.org. They also provide information including the signs and symptoms on other conditions that can cause dementia like vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy and others – see ALZ.org/dementia. Memory Screening A great resource and first step to help you get a handle on your memory problem is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which off ers a National Memory Screening Program. This is a free, confi dential, faceto-face memory screening done virtually in real-time that takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete and consists of questions and/or tasks to evaluate your memory status. Once the screening is complete, the screener will review the results with you. Available to everyone, these memory screenings are done daily Monday through Friday, and are given by doctors, nurse practitioners, psychologists, social workers or other healthcare professionals across the country. A smart phone, computer, tablet or any other device with a webcam and Internet capability is all that’s needed. Appointments can be requested online at ALZFDN.org/memory-screening or by calling 866232-8484. It’s also important to know that this screening is not a diagnosis of any particular condition but can indicate whether you should see your doctor for more extensive assessment. See Your Doctor If you fi nd that you need further evaluation, make an appointment with your primary care doctor for a cognitive checkup and medical examination. Depending on what’s found, you may be referred to a geriatrician or neurologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease. Keep in mind that even if you are experiencing some memory problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have dementia. Many memory problems are brought on by other factors like stress, depression, thyroid disease, side eff ects of medications, sleep disorders, vitamin defi ciencies and other medical conditions. And by treating these conditions he can reduce or eliminate the problem. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. nior ior Susan Mazzochia OBITUARY fi lled her home with warmth and laughter and was happiest when surrounded by her family. Her deep bond with her grandchildren brought her so much joy, and her cat Mimi also held a special place in her heart. A woman of incredible resilt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susan Mazzochia, a loving mother, nana, sister, aunt, and friend, who left us on March 7, 2025, at the age of 66. Susan was born on December 25, 1958, in Everett, to the late Robert and Catherine (Bryson) Mazzochia. She was the oldest of five children. Susan graduated from Pope John High School and went on to build a life centered around family, love, and laughter. She is survived by her beI loved son, James Lopez, and his partner Shannon, and was predeceased by her daughter, Maria Lopez. Susan was a proud nana to her cherished grandchildren, Gabriella and Camden, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brothers, Robert (Pauline), Joe (Kathy), and sisters, Judy (Mike) and Lucia (Richie). Susan will be fondly remembered by her nieces Nichole, Lauren, Jenna, Leah, Gianna, and Gabriella, as well as nephews Joseph, Ryan, and Richie. Susan was a devoted mother and a constant source of love, support, and strength to all who knew her. She ience, Susan faced life’s challenges with unwavering determination and a smile on her face. Her sharp wit, bold personality, and loving heart made her an irreplaceable presence in the lives of those she loved. No matter the circumstances, she had the uncanny ability to bring laughter to even the toughest of times, and she will be remembered for her strength, humor, and the way she made everyone around her feel special. Though her passing came far too soon, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her daughter, Maria. Together again, they are at peace, watching over James, Shannon, Gabriella, Camden, and the rest of the family, continuing to inspire us with their enduring love. A memorial service was held on March 16th, 2025, at Rocco Salvatore & Sons Funeral Home, to honor and celebrate the remarkable woman she was. Susan’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her laughter, strength, and love will forever be with us. Rest in peace, Mom. You will always be deeply missed and never forgotten. Marilyn A. (Messenger) Evans O f Everett entered in to eternal rest in the Katzman Center for Living in Chelsea, Massachusetts. She was 81 years old. Born in ReFor Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net vere, Marilyn lived in Everett for most of her life. She worked for the Melrose YMCA as a day care provider. Marilyn was the daughter of the late Charles and Barbara (Morecroft) Messenger; the beloved wife of the late Bernard C, Evans; the dear and devoted mother of Laura Evans of Everett and the late Paul E. Evans; the loving grandmother of Tayla M. Evans; the devoted sister of Charles and Richard Messenger. Marilyn has requested that there be no formal services. In lieu of fl owers, contributions in Marilyn’s memory to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 North Lakeview Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60614 would be sincerely appreciated.
24 Publizr Home