Memory & Dementia
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) describes a measurable decline in memory or thinking that is greater than expected for age but does not significantly interfere with independent daily function.
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 →How MCI differs from dementia
In MCI, daily activities are generally still managed independently. In dementia, thinking changes interfere with everyday function such as managing medications, finances, or driving.
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 →Why MCI is evaluated carefully
- Some causes are treatable or reversible
- Some people remain stable over time
- Some progress to Alzheimer's disease or another dementia
- Establishing a baseline makes future change easier to measure
Evaluation
- History and neurological examination
- Cognitive testing to characterize the pattern of impairment
- Laboratory testing and review of medications
- Brain imaging when appropriate
- Biomarker testing when clinically indicated
- Scheduled follow-up to track change over time
Management
Management focuses on identifying contributing conditions, addressing vascular risk factors, reviewing medications that affect cognition, supporting sleep and activity, and planning follow-up. Treatment decisions depend on the underlying cause and are made individually.
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.
A family history raises questions, but it does not determine a future diagnosis. Learn how Alzheimer's family history, APOE, rare inherited forms, and modifiable risks fit together.
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.