Georgia Memory Net

Georgia Memory Net (GMN) is a statewide program developed in partnership with Emory University to expand access to early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and to support those living with dementia, including caregivers. 

GMN trains physicians to properly screen for the disease and collect data in a manner that will allow the state to better support those living with dementia. Cognitive neurology and neuropsychology leads based in Emory’s Cognitive Neurology Program train and continuously work with Memory Assessment Clinics (MAC) to ensure the MAC providers have the tools and training they need to effectively and accurately diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias using evidence-based, clinically-proven tools. 

GMN focuses on: 

• Increasing physician education, outreach and training 
• Developing and maintaining MACs and telehealth networks 
• Enhancing family’s linkage to community support services  
• Continually improving data development and collection  
• Program evaluation 

There are seven MACs and nine telehealth sites located throughout the state. The clinics are located in Atlanta, Albany, Augusta, Gainesville, Macon, Savannah, and Vidalia. The telehealth sites are located in Dooly, Emanuel, Fannin, Glynn, Hart, Lamar, Laurens, Union, and Whitfield counties. These clinics and sites are designed to help Georgians receive assessments and diagnosis, talk through a detailed care plan, and connect clients and caregivers to community services in their local area. The program has been in existence since 2017 and is continuing to expand awareness and efforts across the state of Georgia.    

 In State Fiscal Year 2025:

• GMN served over 1,300 unique patients and 1,200 care partners through an estimated 2,800 total visits. 
• Of the patients seen, GMN referred over 1,000 patients to Georgia’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network for local services and resources. 
• Vidalia’s MAC site opened, finalizing the full operation of all seven MAC sites. 
• GMN increased educational opportunities for primary care providers (PCP), therapists, and community members through webinar series, online courses, presentations, community events, and more. 
• GMN held the second annual PCP Symposium where PCPs, speakers, GMN partners, and clinic staff attended. Topics included a virtual dementia tour, functional assessments, simplifying dementia staging, and more. 

 By the Numbers | GMN  

• $31,282 in Medicare spending per capita on people with dementia
• 188,300 residents are currently living with Alzheimer’s in Georgia