The University of South Carolina recently opened a Brain Health clinic in Sumter, marking the second operational clinic since the formation of the Brain Health Network in August 2023. The ribbon cutting event, held on May 13, was attended by USC President Michael Amiridis, Vice President for Research Julius Fridriksson, S.C. House Speaker Murrell Smith, state Sen. Katrina Shealy, and Prisma Health’s Chief Academic and Medical Officer Dr. Patrice Weiss. This event celebrated the expansion of neurological care in the Palmetto State.
The USC Brain Health Network was created to address the needs of patients and caregivers in rural and underserved areas. By partnering with health systems, the network aims to provide equitable diagnostic and treatment access for individuals seeking cognitive care. South Carolinians face a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias compared to other states. Presently, over 120,000 South Carolinians aged 45 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, with contributing factors such as high rates of heart disease, stroke, and an aging population.
According to Fridriksson, the goal of providing statewide access to services, supporting patients, and innovating in diagnostics and treatment is coming to fruition as practices expand across the state. The network of clinics is seen as an opportunity to positively impact both physical and mental health by providing equitable care, addressing disparities