Memory & Dementia
Memory Loss
Memory changes have many possible causes. Some are part of normal aging, while others reflect a treatable medical problem or an early neurodegenerative condition. A neurological evaluation is used to distinguish between them.
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 →Memory changes that are commonly reported
- Repeating questions or stories
- Misplacing items more often than before
- Difficulty recalling recent conversations or appointments
- Trouble following a familiar recipe or set of directions
- Word-finding difficulty
- Family members noticing changes before the patient does
Supporting someone with memory loss?
The Illinois Dementia Guide provides free, practical guidance for Illinois families navigating memory concerns, dementia evaluation, caregiving and planning.
Explore the Illinois Dementia Guide →Causes that are important to look for
Not all memory problems come from dementia. An evaluation looks for contributing factors that may be reversible or manageable.
- Thyroid and vitamin abnormalities
- Medication side effects
- Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea
- Depression, anxiety, and chronic stress
- Vascular disease and prior strokes
- Neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease
How memory loss is evaluated
- Detailed history, ideally with a family member present
- Neurological examination
- Cognitive and memory testing
- Laboratory studies
- Brain imaging when appropriate
- Additional testing, including biomarkers, when clinically indicated
When to seek medical care
Memory changes that are progressive, that interfere with work, driving, medications, or finances, or that concern family members deserve an evaluation. Sudden confusion, new weakness, difficulty speaking, or a change in alertness requires emergency medical attention — call 911.
Related topics
Wondering whether a memory change is expected with age? Learn how to distinguish normal aging from possible signs of dementia.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the person's needs. Watch and read how dementia is treated.
New disease-modifying treatments are limited to selected patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Learn who may qualify for Leqembi or Kisunla, how amyloid is confirmed, and why MRI and APOE testing matter.
Daily habits are part of a complete care plan. Watch lifestyle and dementia, and learn what dementia risk reduction can—and cannot—promise.
Depression can affect attention, processing speed, sleep, and memory. Learn how depression may produce cognitive symptoms and why progressive changes still deserve evaluation.
New or worsening behavior symptoms can have several causes. Learn why people with dementia may have hallucinations.
Caregivers can also learn practical ways to manage urinary incontinence in dementia, including scheduled toileting and signs that deserve medical evaluation.
For restlessness, pacing, irritability, or resistance to care, review practical strategies for managing agitation in dementia and recognizing sudden changes that may have a medical cause.
Not every dementia begins with memory loss. Watch what frontotemporal dementia is and normal pressure hydrocephalus.
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.