County Health Departments Facilitate Telehealth Dementia Evaluation: The Georgia Memory Net Collaboration

Objective: To establish partnerships with county public health departments to expand telehealth access for referrals to Georgia Memory Net (GMN), a state-funded program focused on improving the early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Method: Funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, and the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act supported GMN partnership development with Georgia Department of Public Health county health departments. Results: Telehealth infrastructure, including remote video neurological assessments and neuropsychological testing, is now available in 10 Georgia county health departments. Expansion efforts are in progress to bring telehealth services to additional counties, broadening GMN reach. Conclusion: Telehealth evaluations delivered through county health departments provide an effective platform for expanding access to specialized dementia diagnosis and treatment, particularly in rural and underserved areas, enhancing early detection and care for patients throughout the state.