Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (venipuncture)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Rule out treatable causes of memory loss like vitamin deficiencies and thyroid disorders
- Skip the doctor's visit with convenient online ordering and confidential results
- Get comprehensive screening with 7 key biomarkers in one affordable panel
- Enable early intervention by identifying modifiable risk factors before symptoms worsen
- Support accurate diagnosis with physician-reviewed results and interpretation guidance
- Monitor ongoing health for those with chronic conditions affecting cognition
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults experiencing new or worsening memory problems or cognitive changes
- Individuals with a family history of dementia seeking preventive health insights
- People wanting to rule out medical causes of concentration difficulties
- Those monitoring chronic conditions like thyroid disease or vitamin deficiencies
- Health-conscious individuals seeking proactive cognitive health assessment
- Anyone preferring private, direct-access laboratory testing without referrals
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – Select your test and schedule a convenient lab visit or home collection
- Provide sample – Quick blood draw at our partner location takes just minutes
- Get results – Receive secure, results within 3-5 business days
FAQ
What conditions can this test detect? This panel identifies treatable causes of cognitive decline including vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, infections, and inflammatory conditions that may mimic dementia symptoms.
Is this test accurate for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease? While advanced Alzheimer's blood biomarkers reach 90% accuracy, this panel focuses on ruling out reversible causes rather than confirming dementia (NIH 2024).
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required for this panel, making it convenient to schedule at any time.
How soon will I get my results? Most results are available within 3-5 business days, with secure online access.
Can I use these results with my doctor? Yes, results include reference ranges and clinical notes to facilitate discussion with your healthcare provider about next steps.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive blood panel evaluates potential medical, nutritional, and metabolic causes that could contribute to memory loss and cognitive changes. By analyzing key biomarkers including vitamin B12, thyroid function, inflammatory markers, and complete blood count, the test helps differentiate between dementia and other treatable conditions (Mayo Clinic 2024).
The panel serves as an essential screening tool that can identify reversible causes of cognitive decline, supporting more accurate diagnosis and enabling targeted treatment approaches. While not a standalone diagnostic tool for dementia, it provides critical health data that guides further evaluation and clinical decision-making.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for adults experiencing memory issues, cognitive difficulties, or behavioral changes that interfere with daily activities. Individuals with risk factors for dementia, including family history, chronic medical conditions, or advancing age, can gain important preventive insights (Stanford Health Care 2017).
People seeking private healthcare options without requiring physician referrals also benefit from the convenience and confidentiality of direct-to-consumer testing. The panel is equally useful for ongoing monitoring in those with chronic conditions like thyroid disease or nutritional deficiencies that may impact cognitive function.
When should I order a Dementia Blood Test Panel?
Consider ordering this panel if you notice new or worsening problems with memory, reasoning, attention, communication, or problem-solving abilities. Early testing is particularly important when symptoms interfere with work, social activities, or daily routines (NIH 2024).
Additional indicators include unexplained changes in mood, personality, or behavior, especially when combined with cognitive symptoms. Those with strong family history of dementia or multiple risk factors may benefit from proactive screening even before symptoms appear.
How do I interpret the results?
Results compare your biomarker levels to established reference ranges, highlighting any abnormal findings that may contribute to cognitive symptoms. The interpretation focuses on identifying treatable causes rather than confirming dementia diagnosis.
Vitamin B12
- Normal Range: 200–900 pg/mL
- Clinical Significance: Low levels can cause reversible cognitive impairment
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
- Normal Range: 0.4–4.0 mIU/L
- Clinical Significance: Abnormal thyroid function affects memory and concentration
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
- Normal Range: < 0.3 mg/dL
- Clinical Significance: Elevated levels indicate inflammation that may impact cognition
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Normal Range: Lab-specific ranges
- Clinical Significance: Anemia or infection can contribute to cognitive symptoms
Advanced Alzheimer's blood biomarker tests now achieve 88-92% diagnostic accuracy compared to traditional methods, revolutionizing dementia assessment (NIH 2024).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
This panel requires minimal preparation, with no fasting necessary for accurate results. Continue taking your regular medications and supplements, but list them for your healthcare provider as they may influence certain biomarker levels.
Stay well-hydrated before your blood draw and wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your arms. Schedule your appointment at a convenient time since dietary restrictions don't apply to this comprehensive screening panel.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances, symptoms, and risk factors. Regular monitoring may be recommended for ongoing symptom management or treatment effectiveness.
- Initial screening with symptoms: Once, with follow-up as directed
- Monitoring known deficiencies: Every 3–6 months until normalized
- Chronic condition management: Every 6–12 months or as symptoms change
- Preventive screening (high risk): Annually or every 2 years
Why early detection matters
Early identification of treatable causes can prevent unnecessary cognitive decline and improve quality of life. Conditions like vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, and chronic infections are often reversible when caught early, potentially restoring normal cognitive function (Alzheimer's Society 2023).
Prompt detection also enables access to emerging therapies and clinical trials for those with confirmed dementia, while ruling out reversible causes prevents misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment approaches. Only 61% of Alzheimer's cases are correctly identified without biomarker testing, versus over 88% with proper blood-based screening.
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Test - Evaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
Apolipoprotein Assessment Blood Test - Measures the levels of apolipoproteins in the blood to help assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Heavy Metals Profile I Blood Test - checks for harmful levels of metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic to help identify exposure that may cause fatigue, memory issues, or digestive problems and guide you in managing your health.
