The Alzheimer's Foundation of America will hold its 7th annual National Memory Screening Day on Nov. 17, as more than 2,000 sites across the country will offer free, confidential memory screenings.

Locally, the Palm Springs Police Department Citizens On Patrol Project Lifesaver Unit will be hosting a screening from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Police Department Training Center, 200 South Civic Drive, Palm Springs.

There will also be a memory screening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kmart pharmacy, 14011 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs.

Screenings are recommended for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia. It is particularly useful for those who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer's disease or who want to see how their memory is now for future comparisons.

Test results do not represent a diagnosis.

It is estimated that as many as 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, which causes loss of memory and other intellectual functions. Age is the greatest known risk factor, and the incidence of the disease doubles every five years between 65 and 95.

For more information, visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org or call (866) AFA-8484.