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.
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.
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment." Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
When you'll hear back
Texts and calls received during office hours are typically returned the same business day. You can also call 815-337-7100 directly.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
Please do not send urgent or emergency medical information by text. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. Please avoid sending sensitive medical information by ordinary SMS unless instructed otherwise.