Question 1

What is Dementia?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is a progressive neurological condition characterized by cognitive decline that interferes with daily functioning and memory. It is caused by damage to brain cells from various factors including vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, thyroid disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The Vitamin B12 and Folates test is the most important blood test for identifying reversible nutritional causes of dementia-like symptoms.

Question 2

What causes dementia?

Accepted Answer

Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells that affects their ability to communicate with each other. The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, which involves abnormal protein deposits called amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Other causes include vascular dementia from reduced blood flow to the brain, Lewy body dementia from abnormal protein deposits, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, thyroid disorders, chronic alcohol use, and repeated head trauma. Some causes like vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems are reversible with proper treatment, which is why blood testing is so important in the evaluation process.

Question 3

What is the best test for dementia?

Accepted Answer

The Vitamin B12 and Folates test is the most important blood test for dementia because it identifies reversible nutritional deficiencies that cause or worsen cognitive decline. This test measures levels of vitamin B12 and folate, both essential for maintaining healthy nerve function and preventing brain cell damage. Low B12 levels can cause memory problems, confusion, and difficulty concentrating that mimic dementia symptoms, and correcting these deficiencies may improve cognitive function. While dementia itself is diagnosed through comprehensive clinical assessment and cognitive testing, blood work is essential for ruling out treatable causes and supporting overall brain health during dementia care.

Question 4

When should I get tested for dementia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you or a loved one experiences progressive memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion about time or place, problems with words or speaking, misplacing things frequently, decreased judgment, withdrawal from social activities, or changes in mood and personality. Testing is especially important if these symptoms worsen over time or if you have risk factors like age over 65, family history of dementia, or cardiovascular disease. Early testing helps identify reversible causes like vitamin B12 deficiency and allows for earlier intervention and treatment planning.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Accepted Answer

Dementia symptoms include progressive memory loss that affects daily functioning, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion about time and place, trouble understanding visual images, problems finding the right words when speaking or writing, misplacing items and losing the ability to retrace steps, poor judgment and decision-making, withdrawal from work or social activities, and changes in mood including depression, anxiety, or personality changes. Early symptoms might be subtle like forgetting recent conversations or appointments, while advanced dementia causes severe memory loss, inability to recognize loved ones, difficulty with basic self-care, and communication challenges.

Question 6

Who is at risk for dementia?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk for dementia include those over age 65, individuals with a family history of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, those with cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease, people who have experienced head trauma or repeated concussions, individuals with vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, those with excessive alcohol consumption, smokers, people with depression or social isolation, and individuals with lower education levels or limited cognitive engagement. Some risk factors like vitamin deficiencies, blood pressure, and lifestyle choices can be modified, while others like age and genetics cannot be changed.

Question 7

What happens if dementia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated dementia progressively worsens over time, leading to severe memory loss, complete dependence on caregivers for daily activities like eating, bathing, and dressing, inability to communicate effectively, loss of bladder and bowel control, increased risk of falls and injuries, malnutrition and weight loss, vulnerability to infections like pneumonia, complete personality changes, and eventually death. Early testing and treatment are crucial because some causes like vitamin B12 deficiency are reversible, and even in irreversible dementia, early intervention with medication and lifestyle changes can slow progression and improve quality of life for both patients and caregivers.

Question 8

Can dementia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Dementia itself cannot be diagnosed with a blood test alone, but blood work plays a crucial role in the diagnostic process by identifying reversible causes of cognitive impairment. Blood tests check for vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, thyroid disorders, metabolic abnormalities, infections, and other medical conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms. The Vitamin B12 and Folates test is essential because correcting these deficiencies may improve or reverse cognitive problems. A complete dementia diagnosis requires a combination of blood tests, medical history review, physical and neurological examination, cognitive testing, and sometimes brain imaging to determine the specific type and cause of cognitive decline.

Question 9

How is dementia treated?

Accepted Answer

Dementia treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing progression since most types cannot be cured. For reversible causes like vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, supplementation can improve cognitive function. Alzheimer's medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine may temporarily improve memory and thinking. Treatment also includes managing behavioral symptoms with medication when necessary, physical therapy to maintain mobility, occupational therapy for daily living skills, speech therapy for communication problems, treating underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, creating a safe home environment, establishing routines, and providing caregiver support and education.

Question 10

How can I prevent dementia?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce dementia risk by staying physically active with regular exercise, keeping your mind engaged through reading, puzzles, learning new skills, and social activities, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, controlling cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and not smoking, getting adequate sleep and managing sleep disorders, staying socially connected with friends and family, protecting your head from injury, and ensuring adequate intake of vitamin B12 and folate through diet or supplements. Regular health checkups and blood testing can identify and correct deficiencies early.

Question 11

What can I do at home for dementia?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can support brain health by taking vitamin B12 and folate supplements if deficient, eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in leafy greens, fish, nuts, and berries, staying mentally active with puzzles, reading, or learning new hobbies, maintaining regular physical activity like walking or swimming, establishing consistent daily routines to reduce confusion, keeping a calendar and using reminder notes, creating a safe environment by removing tripping hazards and improving lighting, staying socially connected through phone calls or visits, getting quality sleep, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular monitoring of vitamin levels through blood testing helps ensure nutritional deficiencies are addressed promptly.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Dementia Blood Test

What is Dementia?

What causes dementia?

What is the best test for dementia?

When should I get tested for dementia?

References

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