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NeurologistCareCrystal Lake, IL · Woodstock, IL · Lake Geneva, WI

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What Happens After a Dementia Assessment?

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.

Video with Amarish Dave, DO, Board-Certified Neurologist

What Happens Next?

  1. 1

    Review the Results

    The neurologist reviews the cognitive testing, medical history, symptoms, medications, neurological examination, and information from family members or caregivers.

  2. 2

    Look for the Cause

    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.

  3. 3

    Determine the Diagnosis

    The evaluation may suggest normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, or another condition.

  4. 4

    Build a Treatment Plan

    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.

Does Everyone Need More Testing?

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.

What Should Families Expect?

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.

Frequently asked questions

Does a memory screening test diagnose dementia?
No. A cognitive screening test is one piece of information. A diagnosis depends on the full picture, including history, examination, how daily function has changed, input from family, and testing to look for other causes.
Does everyone need more testing after a dementia assessment?
No. Not everyone needs every test. Neuropsychological testing, advanced imaging, blood biomarkers, spinal fluid (CSF) testing or other studies may be considered depending on symptoms, examination, age and how certain the diagnosis is.
Can memory problems be caused by something other than Alzheimer's disease?
Yes. Medication effects, sleep problems, mood changes, vitamin or thyroid abnormalities, vascular disease and other neurological conditions can cause or contribute to memory problems. Looking for these is a key step after an assessment.
What should families expect at the follow-up visit?
Follow-up should include a discussion of the likely diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis when appropriate, safety concerns, caregiver needs and planning for the future.

Related videos

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Concerned about memory changes?

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.

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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 →

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Illinois appointments: 815-337-7100. Wisconsin appointments: 262-245-0535.

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Insurance and referrals

Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.

Call for an Illinois appointment: 815-337-7100Call for a Wisconsin appointment: 262-245-0535

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