Neurology Video Library
A dementia assessment is not simply about getting a score on a memory test. The goal is to determine whether there is a true change in thinking or memory, understand what may be causing it, and decide what should happen next.
Written and medically reviewed by Amarish Dave, DO, board-certified neurologist. This page is educational and does not replace an individual medical evaluation.
The neurologist reviews the cognitive testing, medical history, symptoms, medications, neurological examination, and information from family members or caregivers.
Memory problems are not always caused by Alzheimer's disease. Blood testing and brain imaging such as MRI may be used to look for other causes or contributing conditions.
The evaluation may suggest normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or another condition.
Depending on the findings, next steps may include medications, lifestyle changes, additional testing, biomarker testing when appropriate, safety discussions, caregiver education, and follow-up.
"A dementia assessment is the beginning of the process—not the end."
For more on the evaluation itself, see What Tests Are Ordered for Dementia?, dementia evaluation, and memory testing. Possible diagnoses are explained in normal aging vs dementia, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia.
No. Not everyone needs every test. Additional neuropsychological testing, advanced imaging, blood biomarkers, CSF (spinal fluid) testing, or other studies may be considered depending on the symptoms, examination, age, and level of diagnostic certainty. A cognitive screening test alone does not diagnose dementia.
Follow-up should include a discussion of the likely diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis when appropriate, safety concerns, caregiver needs, and planning for the future. Families are encouraged to bring questions and share what they have noticed at home—this information is an important part of care. Learn more in our memory and dementia care guide.
Memory & Dementia
Amarish Dave, DO explains the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's disease—dementia is an umbrella term for symptoms, while Alzheimer's is its most common cause.
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Memory & Dementia
Amarish Dave, DO explains why a parent's Alzheimer's diagnosis raises risk but does not determine your future, and what APOE and rare inherited forms mean.
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Memory & Dementia
Amarish Dave, DO explains frontotemporal dementia (FTD): early changes in personality, behavior, judgment and language, how it differs from Alzheimer's disease, and how it is evaluated.
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Memory & Dementia
Amarish Dave, DO explains normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)—walking difficulty, cognitive changes and urinary symptoms—and why it is a potentially treatable cause of dementia-like symptoms.
Watch VideoSubscribe to the NeurologistCare YouTube channel for more short answers to common neurology questions.
NeurologistCare provides neurological evaluation for memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia. In-person appointments are available in Crystal Lake and Woodstock, Illinois, and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with telehealth options where appropriate for patients located in Illinois or Wisconsin.
Choose the scheduling line for the state where you will be located for your appointment.
Available at three office locations:
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Woodstock, Illinois
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
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 →Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.
Our office will confirm whether an in-person or telehealth visit is appropriate and provide the details.
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.