Emory Neuro Caregiver Network
Helping the caregiver figure out what they need next as their role and needs change over time through practical education, trusted support, and community connection.
Support for Those Who Care
The Emory Neuro Caregiver Network is a new initiative for people caring for someone living with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, including conditions that affect memory, thinking, movement, speech, or daily life. Access practical education from trusted professionals, find support as needs change, and connect with others who understand the caregiving experience.
Access is easy, and you do not need to be an Emory patient or connected with an Emory clinic. Simply use the form below to select the resources you are interested in and receive them directly to your inbox. While some things, like training courses, may require registration, these resources are offered at no cost to you. We may also send you new resources as they become available.
This program is being created for people supporting someone living with progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as:
- Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or another dementia
- Parkinson's disease or a related movement disorder
- ALS
- Huntington's disease
- Other progressive neurodegenerative diseases
Whether you think of yourself as a caregiver, care partner, family member, friend, or simply someone who helps, you are welcome here.
What Does This Program Offer?
Caregiving changes over time. What you need today may be very different from what you need months or years from now.
You may be looking for reliable information. You may need help thinking through a new challenge. You may want to talk with someone who understands, learn from other caregivers, or simply know where to turn next.
This initiative is being developed to bring caregiver resources together in one trusted place, including:
- Practical education grounded in research
- Individual guidance and caregiver coaching
- Support groups and counseling
- Peer mentorship and connection with other caregivers
- Resources that support caregiver well-being
- Connections to helpful Emory and community resources
- Opportunities to learn about caregiver research
Joining our mailing list is the best way to stay informed about new services that become available. If you still have questions, reach out to us at caregiversupport@emory.edu.
Want to Help Someone with Cognitive Decline?
As we age, it's normal for some brain function to slow down. Examples include word recall, recent memories, problem solving, and mental quickness. A diagnosis of MCI means cognitive function has declined faster than usual, but the decline is not severe enough to be classified as dementia. You might have cognitive decline if your friends and family are commenting on your inability to complete tasks that were once routine and if tests reveal memory impairment. MCI does not always lead to dementia, but studies show that about 38% of patients eventually do develop it.
MCI shows up differently in different people, but common symptoms include losing things, forgetting conversations, getting lost, impulsivity and difficulty finding words, and managing medicine.
There is no single test to evaluate dementia, but doctors rely on a variety of screening tools. Each of these methods involves a series of questions to determine the probable cause of the symptoms expressed by patients and their care partners.
For patients with a primary physician, there is a general practitioner assessment that can be completed in their office. Or, physicians can refer their patients to Georgia Memory Net for evaluation and personalized care plans.
Cognitive testing typically measures awareness, short and long-term memory, language and communication skills, problem solving, simple math, visuospatial skills, concentration and the ability to follow directions.
The experience of being a care partner for someone with MCI differs depending on the prior relationship. For example, adult children who find themselves as caregivers may experience role reversal, are sometimes referred to as the the "sandwich generation"—meaning they are caring for both their children and aging parents simultaneously. Spouses of MCI sufferers have to adjust their relationship and aspects of their day-to-day routine.
The Family Caregiver Alliance is a great resource for MCI patients and their care partners. LotsaHelpingHands is a website that assists with creating a support team and implementing tools that keep your care on track.
As a care partner, it's important to learn all you can about living with cognitive impairment, implementing lifestyle interventions to slow cognitive decline, planning for the future and practicing self-care to protect your mental and physical well-being.
Georgia Memory Net, with locations throughout the state, is a great resource for Georgians.