Patient Resources
When should memory loss be evaluated?
Short answer
Memory loss should be evaluated when it is getting worse over time, when family members notice it, or when it interferes with everyday tasks such as medications, finances, appointments, or driving. Earlier evaluation makes it easier to identify treatable causes.
Understanding this
Some memory change is expected with age — occasionally forgetting a name and recalling it later, or needing more time to learn something new. What deserves attention is a pattern of change: repeated questions, forgetting recent conversations entirely, or difficulty with tasks that used to be routine.
Many contributors to memory change are treatable, including thyroid abnormalities, vitamin deficiencies, medication side effects, sleep apnea, depression, and vascular disease. An evaluation looks for these before concluding that a neurodegenerative condition is present.
If you are wondering whether memory changes are expected with age, learn about the differences between normal aging and possible signs of dementia.
Symptoms and signs
- Repeating questions or stories within a short period
- Forgetting recent conversations or appointments
- Increasing reliance on notes and reminders for familiar tasks
- Difficulty managing medications or finances
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Family members expressing concern
How it is evaluated
- Detailed history, ideally with a family member present
- Neurological examination
- Cognitive and memory testing
- Laboratory studies
- Brain imaging when appropriate
- Biomarker testing when clinically indicated
When to seek care
- Sudden confusion, new weakness, facial droop, or difficulty speaking is an emergency — call 911.
- Rapidly progressive confusion over days to weeks warrants prompt medical attention.
- Gradual, progressive memory change should be evaluated without waiting for it to worsen.
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.