Dementia Diagnosis & Management
Dementia Specialist for McHenry County and Southern Wisconsin
Dementia describes cognitive change severe enough to interfere with everyday function. It is not a single disease, and the specific cause matters — Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia differ in symptoms, medication safety and what families should expect.
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 →What dementia evaluation establishes
- Whether cognitive change interferes with independent function
- Which cognitive domains are most affected
- Which condition best explains the pattern
- Whether treatable contributors are also present
- Which medications may help and which should be avoided
Common types of dementia
- Alzheimer's disease — usually memory-predominant and gradually progressive
- Vascular dementia — related to strokes and small vessel disease
- Lewy body dementia — fluctuating attention, visual hallucinations, parkinsonism, REM sleep behavior disorder
- Frontotemporal dementia — earlier onset, behavior or language changes
- Mixed pathology, which is common with advancing age
Testing that may be used
- Cognitive testing and, when needed, formal neuropsychological testing
- Laboratory studies for reversible contributors
- MRI or CT of the brain
- Sleep evaluation when sleep apnea or REM sleep behavior disorder is suspected
- Biomarker testing when it will change management
Management and family support
Management includes treating contributing medical conditions, simplifying medications that impair cognition, considering medications appropriate to the specific diagnosis, addressing sleep and mood, and planning for safety and support at home.
Families receive practical guidance on communication, daily routines, driving decisions, legal and financial planning conversations, and caregiver support resources. Follow-up is scheduled so the plan changes as needs change.
Brain health as part of dementia care
Even after diagnosis, cardiovascular risk control, physical activity, sleep treatment, hearing correction and social engagement remain part of care. They support function and general health, and several of them are among the modifiable factors most consistently linked to cognitive outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease?
- Dementia is the clinical syndrome of cognitive change that interferes with function. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of that syndrome, but not the only one.
- Is there treatment for dementia?
- There is no cure. Treatment can address contributing medical conditions, symptoms such as sleep and mood problems, and — depending on the diagnosis — specific medications. Care planning and caregiver support are equally important parts of treatment.
- How often is follow-up needed?
- Follow-up intervals depend on the diagnosis, medications and how a person is functioning. A typical pattern is every three to six months, with additional visits when something changes.
- Can caregivers be included in visits?
- Yes. Caregiver participation is encouraged, and part of each visit is dedicated to caregiver questions.
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.