Memory & Dementia
New Alzheimer's Blood Tests: Who Should Get Them?
Amarish Dave, DO, Board-Certified Neurologist, explains newer Alzheimer's blood biomarkers, who should get an Alzheimer's blood test, and who should not.
Watch VideoIllinois Dementia Guide: Free memory and dementia resource for Illinois families.
Visit the guide →Memory & Dementia
Memory & Dementia Evaluation in Northwestern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
Memory concerns deserve a real evaluation, not reassurance alone. The purpose of that evaluation is to determine whether memory has measurably changed, identify the most likely cause, and find anything that can be treated. Serving patients throughout Northwestern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
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 →Explore memory and dementia topics
Each page explains the condition or test in plain language — what it is, how it is evaluated, and what treatment involves.
Wondering whether memory changes are part of normal aging? Watch and read about the differences between normal aging and possible signs of dementia.
Memory Loss
When forgetfulness deserves a neurological evaluation.
Learn more →Mild Cognitive Impairment
A measurable change in thinking that does not yet limit independence.
Learn more →Alzheimer's Disease
The most common cause of dementia, and how it is diagnosed.
Learn more →Lewy Body Dementia
Cognitive change with movement, sleep, and alertness features.
Learn more →Vascular Dementia
Cognitive change related to blood vessel disease and stroke.
Learn more →Frontotemporal Dementia
Changes in behavior or language, often at a younger age.
Learn more →Dementia Evaluation
What a complete diagnostic evaluation involves.
Learn more →Memory Testing
How thinking and memory are measured objectively.
Learn more →Alzheimer's Biomarkers
Testing that reflects the underlying biology of the disease.
Learn more →Dementia Treatment
Treatment, safety, and long-term support.
Learn more →Free Illinois family resource
Illinois Dementia Guide
Practical guidance for Illinois families navigating memory loss, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Explore information about diagnosis, treatment, caregiving, safety, planning, lifestyle and dementia resources for Illinois families.
Explore the Illinois Dementia Guide →Dementia Video Library
Watch short, neurologist-reviewed answers about dementia treatment, memory changes, and evaluation.
Memory & Dementia
Can Mom Live Alone with Dementia?
Amarish Dave, DO, Board-Certified Neurologist, explains how families can tell when someone with dementia is no longer safe living alone.
Watch Video
Memory & Dementia
What Are the Stages of Dementia?
Amarish Dave, DO explains the stages of dementia—the 7-stage framework, early, middle and late dementia, and why progression varies from person to person.
Watch Video
Memory & Dementia
What Is Sundowning?
Amarish Dave, DO explains sundowning—increased confusion, agitation and restlessness late in the day in people with dementia—and what caregivers can do.
Watch VideoWhen to seek a memory evaluation
- Repeating questions or stories within a short period
- Forgetting recent conversations, appointments, or events
- Difficulty managing medications, finances, or appointments
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Word-finding difficulty that is worsening
- Changes in personality, mood, or judgment
- Family members noticing changes the patient does not
What the evaluation includes
- Detailed history, ideally with a family member present
- Neurological examination
- Structured cognitive and memory testing
- Review of every current medication
- Laboratory studies for treatable contributors
- Brain imaging when appropriate
- Biomarker testing when clinically indicated
Telehealth may be appropriate for selected memory and dementia visits, and family members or caregivers may participate when appropriate. An in-person visit is needed when a neurological examination, structured cognitive testing, or other hands-on assessment is clinically important.
Support for families and caregivers
Families carry much of the work of dementia care. Visits include time for the questions that matter day to day: safety at home, driving, medication supervision, managing changes in behavior, planning ahead, and knowing what to expect next.
Frequently asked questions
- When should memory problems be evaluated?
- An evaluation is reasonable when memory changes are noticed repeatedly by you or by family, when the same questions or stories are repeated, when appointments, medications or finances become difficult, or when changes are affecting daily independence.
- Is memory loss always dementia?
- No. Memory complaints can result from medications, sleep disorders, depression, thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies and other treatable conditions. Part of the purpose of an evaluation is to identify those.
- What does a memory evaluation involve?
- A memory evaluation typically includes a detailed history — often with a family member present — a neurological examination, cognitive testing, laboratory studies, review of medications, and brain imaging when appropriate.
- What support is available for families?
- Caregiver education is part of the visit, and the Illinois Dementia Guide is available as an additional educational resource with practical dementia information and local resources.
In Florida?
Patients located in Florida can read about planned telehealth neurology consultations for memory loss, cognitive change and dementia. Florida telehealth is coming soon and Florida appointments are not currently available. Florida memory loss and dementia telehealth →
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.