Editor:

Recently, the administrator of the Thermopolis Rehabilitation and Care Center (TRCC), R. Dee Cozzens, spoke to the members of the Thermopolis Ministerial Association on new services available to residents of TRCC and to residents of the surrounding areas. Some of these services are free.

Dee has a background in selling pharmaceutical supplies for Pfizer for six years. This makes him knowledgeable about the healing qualities of Rx medication and the effects of various prescription drugs on body and mind.

The good news/bad news that Dee shared with us was that about 60 percent of people who have been diagnosed as having Alzheimer's disease were diagnosed incorrectly. The Alzheimer's Association states, "Serious memory loss, confusion, and other major changes in the way our minds work are not a normal part of aging. Many conditions can disrupt memory and mental function. Symptoms may improve when the underlying cause is treated."

This means that the source of memory loss could be one of the following reversible causes: depression, Rx medication, dehydration, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, nutritional deficiencies, social isolation, insomnia, head trauma, anxiety environmental chemicals, thyroid deficiency, tia's, embolism, hormonal changes infection, diabetes, or aneurysm.

One common problem today for many people is finding a way to deal with the bad stress in their lives, which leads to depression. There are two kinds of stress: good stress (or eustress) and bad stress (or distress).

In addition, the pressure that many people face today from the fall-out from the economic crisis is creating much stress on the mind, body, and emotions. Not knowing how to deal with all this added stress leads to depression and other health issues, which can cause memory loss.

There is hope for those who suffer from memory loss. Dee recommends taking B12 Complex and folic acid to help prevent memory loss. There is documented evidence available demonstrating that the power of prayer can have positive effects on body, mind and spirit.

TRCC is now equipped to offer free screening of individuals that have concerns about memory loss. For more information on this free service, contact Dee Cozzens, Administrator, or Dava Bleak, Director of Social Services at TRCC, at 864-5591.

FATHER HUGO L. BLOTSKY, Thermopolis