WAMCAM and Bridgeway Partner to Offer Free Memory Screenings in Watertown
Local health advocates and community leaders are encouraging Watertown residents to take a proactive approach to their cognitive health by attending an upcoming free memory screening event at the Watertown Event Center.
Organized by the Watertown Area Memory Care and Aging Network (WAMCAM) in partnership with Bridgeway Counseling & Neuropsychology, the free screening will run on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is designed to give adults of any age a clear, confidential baseline assessment of their memory and attentional health.
What to Expect During a Screening
Dr. Sara Erickson, a neuropsychologist at Bridgeway Counseling & Neuropsychology, emphasized that the evaluation is brief, non-invasive, and completely confidential.
"The screen takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It measures basic attention, language, and memory concerns through brief tasks like repeating number sequences or remembering a list of words," Dr. Erickson explained. "It's like a mammogram or a routine dental hygiene checkup—you want to be able to screen for this and be proactive about your brain health."
Participants receive their confidential results immediately. If a screening indicates an abnormal score, individuals can bring the result to their primary care physician to determine if further comprehensive testing is recommended.
Decades of Caregiver Support in Codington County
Formerly known as the Watertown Alzheimer's Council, WAMCAM was founded in 1998 by Connie and Deanna Bullis, both of whom were caring for mothers diagnosed with dementia. Over the past 26 years, the grassroots organization has grown to provide comprehensive resources, educational calendars, and specialized support groups for caregivers.
"When we started, needs were met for the person with the diagnosis, but the people caring for them 24/7 often didn't have support," said Connie, WAMCAM founder and board matriarch. "Dementia isn't something you can do all by yourself at home. Our support groups offer a safe place, and we even provide respite care with skilled nurses so caregivers can attend knowing their loved ones are safe."
Board member Chastity, owner of Bella Hair Studio, joined the organization after caring for her own parents.
"It’s so neat to see everyone come together," Chastity noted. "Caregivers sometimes forget to take care of themselves because they are so involved. WAMCAM gives them a community of people who truly understand."
Community Generosity Powers Free Services
All of WAMCAM’s services are funded through local donations and its annual fundraiser. WAMCAM recently celebrated its 20th Annual Memory Care Walk at the Terry Redlin Art Center’s Redlin Pavilion. The event drew around 170 attendees, honored local family Kathy and Dennis Rammel, and raised over $21,000.
"We are totally dependent on people's generosity, and Watertown was generous," Connie added. "That one event supports every one of our free services for the entire year."
How to Attend
The Memory Screening event is free and open to the public at the Watertown Event Center. The venue is fully accessible, and complimentary coffee, cookies, and resource bags will be provided.
Date: Tuesday
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Watertown Event Center
Appointments & Walk-ins: Call Bridgeway at 605-886-5262 to schedule an appointment, or walk in during event hours.
For more information on local caregiver resources and support groups, visit WAMCAN.org.
