To check the status of an existing referral click here
Getting A Referral
If you think you, or a loved one, needs a diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, your next step is to speak to your Primary Care Provider. Ask them if they think a referral to Georgia Memory Net for a timely and accurate diagnosis is right for you.
Bring this printable information and referral form with you when you speak with your Primary Care Provider. It’ll make it easier for them to make the referral if appropriate.
How It Works
Memory Loss Testing & Diagnosis Through Georgia Memory Net
Our diagnosis process… peace of mind with a supportive process designed to ease anxiety and craft an actionable care plan for a clear path forward.
The Process
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Patient Sees Primary Care Provider
Start with your trusted primary care provider for an initial evaluation.
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In-person or Telehealth Appointment at Our Clinic
Based on your unique situation, an in-person or assisted Telehealth appointment will be provided.
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Patient Receives Diagnosis & Care Plan
Our memory care experts will provide you with a clear diagnosis and personalized care plan.
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Meeting With Community Services Educator
Connect with resources that support your journey with expert guidance.
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Continues Care In Connection With Your Primary Care Provider
You will continue with ongoing care in partnership with your primary care provider.
Start your journey to better memory care
Download the referral form to bring to your Primary Care Provider.
More questions?
Read common FAQs or contact us.
Frequently Asked
Why can only Primary Care Providers (PCPs) make referrals?
Many medical and mental health conditions can present with symptoms that mimic Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers, such as Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, are best equipped to rule out some of the masking disorders, including thyroid or Vitamin B disorders, depression, and side effects of particular medications or combinations of medications. Utilizing PCPs to assess the likelihood of dementia before a specialized referral allows Georgia Memory Net to streamline the delivery of specialized diagnostic and care planning expertise.
Why would a Primary Care Provider (PCP) refer a patient to a Georgia Memory Net Memory Assessment Clinic (MAC) instead of another local neurologist? What makes a MAC different?
General neurologists treat a wide range of conditions and diseases affecting the nervous system. Cognitive neurologists specialize in treating patients with memory loss, dementia, and cognitive dysfunction. There are few cognitive neurologists in Georgia outside of Atlanta. Using telehealth and consultative resources, Georgia Memory Net provides its Memory Assessment Clinics with access to cognitive neurologists, Emory clinicians and scientists specializing in memory issues and cognitive decline, and a Community Service Educator (CSE) for care recommendations. Moreover, Georgia Memory Net staff has the education and resources to follow up with a patient’s local Primary Care Physician, ensuring that they are well-equipped to continue caring for their patients with memory issues and cognitive decline, since many patients are unable to regularly visit a neurologist due to geographic distance or scheduling constraints.
What kinds of tests are used to diagnose Alzheimer’s or dementia?
At Georgia Memory Net’s Memory Assessment Clinics, we use a variety of the latest tools and techniques to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Our specialists use a combination of cognitive status tests, physical and neurological exams, diagnostic tests and brain imaging, and medical history as needed to determine a diagnosis.
How long does it take to get an appointment at Georgia Memory Net?
In the state of Georgia, it used to take up to 18 months to schedule a diagnostic appointment for a definitive diagnosis for Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Since Georgia Memory Net was founded, Georgians can get an appointment for a diagnosis in an average of 5 weeks, though that time can vary depending on demand.
What is the role of neuropsychological testing in a diagnosis?
Neuropsychological testing refers to a variety of tests designed to measure how well someone’s brain is working. These aren’t blood tests. They’re often pencil and paper tests, or a conversational series of questions, which measure a range of cognitive functions including reading, language use, attention, learning, processing speed, reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and mood & behavior. At Georgia Memory Net neuropsychological testing is just one of the tools we use to reach an accurate diagnosis.
