Patient Resources
What happens during a dementia evaluation?
Short answer
A dementia evaluation combines a detailed history, a neurological examination, cognitive testing, laboratory studies, and brain imaging when appropriate. The goal is to determine whether cognition has measurably changed, identify the most likely cause, and find anything that can be treated.
Understanding this
The history is the most important part of the visit. Bringing a family member who has observed the changes often provides information that testing alone cannot.
Cognitive testing measures memory, attention, language, visual-spatial ability, and executive function. The pattern of results — rather than a single score — helps point toward a cause.
Laboratory studies and a medication review look for contributing conditions. Imaging may be used to look for strokes, small vessel disease, or patterns of volume loss.
If you are wondering whether memory changes are expected with age, learn about the differences between normal aging and possible signs of dementia.
After the diagnosis is clarified, learn how dementia treatment may combine medical care, lifestyle support, safety planning, and caregiver education.
For confirmed early Alzheimer's disease, learn who may qualify for Leqembi or Kisunla and why amyloid, MRI, and APOE testing matter.
Symptoms and signs
- Memory change noticed by the patient or family
- Word-finding difficulty
- Changes in judgment, planning, or organization
- Personality or behavior change
- Difficulty with familiar routines
How it is evaluated
- History with input from family when possible
- Review of medications, sleep, mood, and medical conditions
- Neurological examination
- Cognitive and memory testing
- Laboratory studies
- MRI or CT when appropriate
- Additional or biomarker testing when clinically indicated
When to seek care
- Seek emergency care for sudden confusion or a change in alertness.
- Schedule an evaluation when cognitive change is progressive or affects daily function.
Emergency symptoms
Need a Neurologist?
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.