Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease Evaluation and Care
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It usually begins with difficulty forming new memories and progresses gradually over years. Diagnosis rests on the clinical pattern, examination and cognitive testing, supported by imaging and — in selected patients — biomarker testing.
Memory & Dementia Care In Person or by Telehealth
See a neurologist in person in Crystal Lake, Woodstock, or Lake Geneva—or, when clinically appropriate, schedule a telehealth visit from anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. Family members and caregivers may participate when appropriate.
In-Person Neurology Visits
In-person appointments are available at our three office locations in Crystal Lake, Illinois; Woodstock, Illinois; and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Telehealth Neurology Visits
Telehealth neurology appointments are available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. You do not need to live near an office, but you must be physically located in Illinois or Wisconsin at the time of the appointment.
Telehealth may be appropriate for selected neurological evaluations and follow-up care. Some concerns require an in-person neurological examination or testing.
Learn about telehealth neurology →Early features that are commonly reported
- Difficulty remembering recent conversations and events
- Repeating questions
- Misplacing items and difficulty retracing steps
- Trouble with appointments, medications or finances
- Word-finding difficulty
- Reduced initiative or withdrawal from usual activities
How the diagnosis is made
- History from the patient and a knowledgeable family member
- Neurological examination
- Cognitive testing, with neuropsychological testing when the picture is unclear
- Laboratory studies to exclude other contributors
- MRI or CT of the brain
- Biomarker testing when it will meaningfully change management
Treatment approach
Treatment is individualized and does not promise reversal of the disease. Depending on stage, other medical conditions and patient goals, options may include symptomatic medications, discussion of newer disease-modifying therapies and their eligibility and monitoring requirements, treatment of sleep and mood, and reduction of medications that worsen cognition.
Equally important is planning: safety, driving, supervision needs, advance planning conversations and caregiver support.
Lifestyle measures alongside medical treatment
- Blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes management
- Regular aerobic activity and strength training as tolerated
- Treatment of sleep apnea and attention to sleep quality
- Hearing evaluation and correction
- Mediterranean- or MIND-style dietary pattern
- Continued social and cognitive engagement
Frequently asked questions
- Can Alzheimer's disease be diagnosed by a neurologist?
- Yes. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by cognitive testing, laboratory studies and imaging, with biomarker testing in selected patients.
- Do the newer treatments work for everyone?
- No. Disease-modifying therapies have specific eligibility criteria, require biomarker confirmation and monitoring, and carry risks. Whether they are appropriate is an individual decision.
- Does a normal MRI rule out Alzheimer's disease?
- No. Imaging is used to look for other causes and supportive findings; a structurally unremarkable scan does not exclude the diagnosis.
Related pages
Care across Northwestern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
Patients travel from McHenry County, the northwest Chicago suburbs, the Fox Valley and southern Wisconsin for this care. In-person visits take place in Crystal Lake and Woodstock, Illinois and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Telehealth is available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin when clinically appropriate.
Schedule a Neurology Appointment
Choose the scheduling line for the state where you will be located for your appointment.
In-Person Neurology Visits
Available at three office locations:
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Telehealth Neurology Visits
Telehealth neurology appointments are available to patients located anywhere in Illinois or Wisconsin. You do not need to live near an office, but you must be physically located in Illinois or Wisconsin at the time of the appointment.
Learn about telehealth neurology →Call to schedule
Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.
Choose your visit
Our office will confirm whether an in-person or telehealth visit is appropriate and provide the details.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.