What We Do
Age can be a reason for developing memory loss. South Carolina's older population, especially people that live in rural areas, is growing quickly. So, we started building the USC Brain Health Network by targeting those areas of our state.
Memory changes can happen for many reasons. As the state's population grows older, more people and families may have questions or concerns about memory and thinking. Access to memory care can also be limited, especially in rural and underserved communities.
The USC Brain Health Network was created to help close this gap. We provide short-term, advisory memory screening and evaluation to help identify and better understand changes in memory and thinking.
We are growing our network by collaborating with health systems, providers, and community organizations across the state.
We are working with patients, carepartners, and referring healthcare providers to provide information, education, and recommendations that can help guide the next steps in care.
Through the USC Brain Health Network, our team:
- Provides cognitive health screenings to check for cognitive impairment and memory concerns.
- Assesses memory, thinking, and daily activities to better understand a person’s cognitive (memory) health.
- Provides cognitive screening and evaluation for people with memory or thinking concerns.
- Help patients and care partners understand their results and what they may mean.
- Helps patients and care partners navigate resources and care.
- Provides education and recommendations to help patients and families decide what to do next.
- Works with referring healthcare providers to share assessment findings and recommended care plan.
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Connect patients and care partners with helpful lifestyle activities or resources in their communities.
“The fact that Brain Health is going into areas and markets so that people don’t have to go into the larger cities to gain access to programs like this is tremendous. I just cannot thank you enough.”
How Our Program Works
Patients are referred to the Brain Health Network by a healthcare provider. After the referral is reviewed, appropriate patients are scheduled for two visits.
A member of our team completes a structured assessment of memory, thinking, and daily activities. We also gather information about the patient's history and current concerns.
A provider reviews the assessment findings with the patient and care partner. The visit includes screening results, education, and individualized recommendations to help guide next steps.
Our service is designed to work alongside a patient's primary care and specialty providers. We do not replace a patient's regular healthcare team or provide ongoing management. Instead, we provide additional information and recommendations that can support patients, families, and primary care providers in making informed decisions about care.
Our Goals
One of our main goals is to bridge the gap between primary care and specialty care. Primary care providers are often the first to notice changes in a patient's memory or thinking. However, patients may face long waits when trying to see a specialist.
The USC Brain Health Network helps by providing timely cognitive screening and evaluation, education, and recommendations. We work with referring providers to help identify concerns and support appropriate next steps.
We are also working to make these services available in more communities across South Carolina, including areas where access to cognitive care may be limited. Our goal is to make quality cognitive screening, evaluation, education, and support more accessible to patients and families throughout the state. Growing the USC Brain Health Network is an opportunity for us to have an impact on the physical and cognitive health of people across the state.
We are currently operating clinics counties across the state: Darlington, Fairfield (Winnsboro), Lexington, Orangeburg, Oconee (Seneca), Richland (Columbia) and Sumter. Over the next few years, our goal is to continue opening additional clinics throughout the state and implement lifestyle services to enhance overall wellbeing,
Through the USC Brain Health Network, we are providing timely, quality cognitive screenings and evaluations for patients who may not receive them otherwise. We are committed to improving quality of life for patients, care partners and communities alike.