1. < Caregivers: Dementia

Blood test for dementia?

Posted by newyork @newyork, Aug 21 3:31pm

HI, what chemicals in the blood are markers for any form of dementia? I've heard that some examples are proteins such as Lewy bodies/antibodies, amyloid, and tau proteins, but they really can't be tested for in blood; so are there other chemicals?

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newyork | @newyork | Aug 21 4:03pm

As a followup, there may be tests for those substances I mentioned, but I think they're only at the R & D stage. I'm looking for a list of dementia marker chemicals that an average lab can test for.

REPLY
pb50 | @pb50 | Aug 22 8:34pm

There is no blood test for dementia per se. There is a blood test called an ATN panel. It tests for

A - Beta Amyloid 42/40 ratio,
T- Phosphorylated- Tau 181
N- Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Protein

The combination of reduced Beta Amyloid 42-40 ratio with elevated p-Tau-181 has been associated with presence of Alzheimer's Disease pathology. This panel is not definitive but is suggestive.

You should discuss with your physician.

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1 reply
valeriew | @valeriew | Aug 26 1:21pm
In reply to @pb50 "There is no blood test for dementia per se. There is a blood test called an..." + (show)
@pb50

There is no blood test for dementia per se. There is a blood test called an ATN panel. It tests for

A - Beta Amyloid 42/40 ratio,
T- Phosphorylated- Tau 181
N- Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Protein

The combination of reduced Beta Amyloid 42-40 ratio with elevated p-Tau-181 has been associated with presence of Alzheimer's Disease pathology. This panel is not definitive but is suggestive.

You should discuss with your physician.

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Thank you for that information, it was very helpful.

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Sep 9 7:08pm
In reply to @valeriew "Thank you for that information, it was very helpful." + (show)
@valeriew

Thank you for that information, it was very helpful.

Jump to this post

Hi @valeriew, are you caring for someone living with dementia? How are you doing?

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ch47 | @ch47 | Sep 11 2:25pm

I not sure this is the right discussion, but I’m interested in any information on supplements that might help improve/or delay onset of seemingly progressing mild cognitive or short term memory issues?
I know there’s no cure, but my online research has so much (I’m sure) incorrect information or hype about supplements, that I thought I would turn to my favorite site.
My husband had a relatively mild stroke last October, no clots etc, and we have been seeing a neurologist since then. He has really improved since October, but recently seems to be slipping a bit.
Several months ago, his doctor ordered a neuropsych test, but can’t get in until March. Did tons of investigation and it seems that any office that tests is busy until that same time.
He is very active, walking daily, golf 3-4 times a week, playing guitar etc. We eat well.
Are there any natural supplements, ingredients or sites that I could research/recommend to see if anything could slow this…
Thanks!!!

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