The Charlie and Harriet Shaffer Cognitive Empowerment Program

We proudly host a diverse range of programs tailored to meet the needs of people with MCI and their care partners. From structured in-person programs to virtual opportunities, learn more about how we use science-backed methods to empower the lives of individuals living with MCI across Georgia.

In-Person Program

This journey begins when a potential program participant is referred to us from the Emory Cognitive Neurology clinic or the Emory Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Patients must have a diagnosis of MCI to be eligible for the program. When a referral is received, our clinical team confirms the patient's eligibility for the program. Next, the referred patient and care partner are contacted about the program. If both are interested and are ready to commit, they are scheduled for onboarding and planning visits.

During onboarding and planning, members and care partners undergo baseline assessments, technology onboarding, and group orientation. Throughout their journey with the Cognitive Empowerment Program, we highly encourage participants to utilize the MyCEP App to keep track of class schedules, resources, and other exciting information such as CEP news, updates, and research opportunities.

After completing Onboarding & Planning, the participant begins their 6-month program. During the 6 months, Members complete classes such as Cognitive Training, Live Well, Functional Independence, Nutrition, Get Active, Yoga, and Tai Chi. Care Partners also have the opportunity to participate in monthly Care Partner-specific support groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions below to learn more about what to expect from the Cognitive Empowerment Program.

No, Care Partners are not required to attend the classes with the Members, but we highly recommend it. Care Partners have the option to join most physical activity classes if they would like to. We also offer Care Partner-specific activities and support groups.

Yes, Members are required to attend all classes on their schedule. However, we understand that Members will have personal obligations and may need to be away at certain times. To ensure Members get maximum benefit from the program, we encourage them to limit absences as much as possible.

Program days are Tuesday and Thursday. Monthly schedules are provided in advance so that Members and Care Partners can plan accordingly.

Cognitive Empowerment Program Members and Care Partners have access to a special kind of resource that is often not considered as such: EACH OTHER. In fact, the social engagement offered by the program—and the resulting relationships that are built between people—is cited by most participants as the most valuable part of the program. There are very few other opportunities elsewhere in the community to form these deep, ongoing bonds with others experiencing the Mild Cognitive Impairment journey.

The Cognitive Empowerment Program is an in-person program with optional virtual sessions for physical activities and other subjects. We provide relevant progarm information for Members and Care Partners on the MyCEP app. Members have an obligation to attend the program in person on their designated program day. Optional support groups are offered virtually. 

Alumni Program

Once the 6-month program ends, Members and Care Partners can transition to the alumni program. As alumni, they have the opportunity to continue to participate in our CEP Community Live weekly webinar, virtual exercise classes three times a week, support groups and social activities organized by the alumni community. Our goal is to build a life-long community of support and education opportunities.

CEP Community Live

CEP Community Live is a virtual program that aims to provide people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and their care partners and families an opportunity to participate in physical activities and learn about living well, cognitive training, functional independence, and nutrition. The webinar is open to anyone and held every Wednesday at 2 PM (EST) via Zoom. To register, click the button below.

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Navigate - Digital Program

Navigate is our online program. It is an 8-week program designed to provide lifestyle education from the comfort of your home. This program is currently offered to individuals with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in the Emory Cognitive Clinic and across the state of Georgia through our partnership with Georgia Memory Net. We provide professional-led modules to help provide a deeper understanding of the diagnosis and support brain health.