Brain Health
Brain Health and Dementia Risk Reduction
No plan prevents dementia with certainty. A meaningful portion of dementia risk across a population, however, is linked to factors that can be changed — and the same measures improve heart health, sleep, mood and function regardless of their effect on memory.
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 →Factors with the most consistent evidence
- Blood pressure control, especially in midlife
- Treating hearing loss
- Regular physical activity
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol
- Treating obstructive sleep apnea and protecting sleep quality
- Managing diabetes, cholesterol and obesity
- Staying socially and cognitively engaged
- Treating depression
- Protecting the head from injury
Diet and cognitive aging
Mediterranean and MIND dietary patterns — vegetables and leafy greens, berries, beans, nuts, whole grains, fish, olive oil, less processed and fried food, less added sugar — are the eating patterns most consistently associated with better cognitive aging.
The pattern matters more than any single food, and no supplement has been shown to prevent dementia in people with a normal diet.
What this does not mean
Risk reduction is not a guarantee. People who do everything recommended still develop dementia, and people who do none of it sometimes do not. Genetics, age and factors not yet understood all contribute.
It also does not mean that memory symptoms should be managed with lifestyle change alone. New or progressive memory change deserves evaluation, because treatable causes are common.
A practical starting plan
- Know and treat your blood pressure numbers
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week plus strength work
- Get a hearing test if you or your family suspect hearing loss
- Get evaluated for sleep apnea if you snore or wake unrefreshed
- Shift toward a Mediterranean- or MIND-style eating pattern
- Keep social plans on the calendar deliberately
Frequently asked questions
- Do brain games prevent dementia?
- Practice improves performance on the trained task, but there is no strong evidence that commercial brain-training programs prevent dementia. Broad cognitive and social engagement is a more reasonable goal.
- Are supplements helpful?
- For people without a deficiency, supplements have not been shown to prevent dementia. Correcting a documented deficiency, such as vitamin B12, is different and does matter.
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.
Need a Neurologist?
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.