Description

With the onset of cognitive decline, it is important to have evaluation to rule out causes that are treatable. Their baseline labs that are necessary to rule out treatable causes. There are common causes like anemia, hypothyroidism, electrolyte abnormalities and others that need to be evaluated but they're also less common causes like heavy metal exposure, hyperparathyroidism and HIV disease can be the cause for cognitive decline.

This panel includes the following test:

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) Genotyping

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Heavy Metals

High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

HIV

Prolactin

Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Vitamin B12 and Folate

Fasting not required.

Additional information about each test is listed below:

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping is a genetic test that can help assess a person's risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The test looks at a person's DNA to determine their APOE genotype, which is made up of three alleles: e2, e3, and e4.

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that can help identify conditions that may contribute to dementia. A CBC measures the number and types of blood cells.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) blood test ordered as part of a diagnostic evaluation for someone suspected of having dementia, as the CMP can help identify underlying medical conditions like electrolyte imbalances, liver or kidney issues, or blood sugar problems that might be contributing to cognitive decline, even if they aren't the primary cause of dementia itself; essentially, it's a standard blood test used to check for potentially treatable factors that could be impacting cognitive function.

Heavy metals can impact memory by accumulating in specific brain regions like the hippocampus and frontal cortex, which are crucial for learning and memory, leading to direct impairment of cognitive processes when exposed to high levels of these metals; essentially, the build-up of heavy metals in the brain can disrupt normal neural communication and function, causing memory problems.

"High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)" is a blood test marker that is increasingly being studied in relation to dementia, as elevated levels of hs-CRP can indicate systemic inflammation, which is suspected to play a role in the development and progression of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease; meaning a high hs-CRP level may be associated with an increased risk of dementia.

HIV-associated dementia (HAD) is a brain condition that causes memory loss, thinking difficulties, and behavioral changes in people with HIV. It's a type of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND)

Prolactin levels may be higher in people with dementia, and prolactinomas can cause cognitive impairment. Prolactin is a hormone that regulates neuronal function and neurodegenerative conditions.

A rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test is a blood test that screens for syphilis, which can cause dementia in its final stages. Doctors may order an RPR test as part of a dementia evaluation to rule out treatable conditions that may be contributing to memory or thinking changes.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may be associated with dementia risk, but the relationship is complex and depends on the specific TSH level and other factors.

Low levels of vitamin B12 and folate are associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. These deficiencies can increase homocysteine levels, which can lead to neurologic disturbances.