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CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 08:26 PM Jun 13

Had a blood test for dementia today...

I didn't know I was being tested for THAT.

I had reported to my primary care MD that I was having trouble with my memory. It's a problem when you are immersed in art history every day as I am and a caregiver for a partially handicapped husband. I had no idea he would run this test but I saw it on my order to the blood draw center.

It was shocking, I must say. Recently, the husband of a dear friend died of dementia and that was fresh in my mind.

I've decided to let you all know what the test reveals and how it is being treated for me. Maybe it will be of some use to you folks as we struggle through this tough, awful time during the Time of the Tyrant in the White House.

62 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Had a blood test for dementia today... (Original Post) CTyankee Jun 13 OP
Did the test reveal dementia? pandr32 Jun 13 #1
No, I haven't received the test results yet. I just saw it written on the order as reason for test. CTyankee Jun 13 #2
I hope you get good news. pandr32 Jun 14 #33
Don't worry. I will. Onward! CTyankee Jun 14 #34
That's a relief JoseBalow Jun 14 #53
Thank you for being open with this. We all need to confront it - for ourselves and others around us. erronis Jun 13 #3
My diagnosis, you write too well to be at high risk. But might check with my doc. Silent Type Jun 13 #4
Well, if it is dementia, I am in the early stages and writing is probably a great thing for my mind. CTyankee Jun 13 #5
God bless ya, CTyankee!! Talitha Jun 13 #30
well, it is nice being cool then! CTyankee Jun 14 #35
This is why I play bridge. ananda Jun 13 #6
And do crossword puzzles with your non dominant hand BOSSHOG Jun 13 #9
Believe it or not, I play cryptic crosswords... ananda Jun 13 #13
Good for you My Friend BOSSHOG Jun 13 #15
Stayin active is great! ananda Jun 13 #18
A GRUMPY Old Doctor BOSSHOG Jun 13 #21
With arthritis in my lower back it is a challenge. CTyankee Jun 14 #36
Both my hubby and myself need to do that. OldBaldy1701E Jun 13 #7
What is exactly being tested by blood work? irisblue Jun 13 #8
I don''t know. I just saw it written in the box on the form. I'll ask next time I call the doc's office or when I get CTyankee Jun 14 #37
I have a medical portal. multigraincracker Jun 14 #52
you sound pretty easy going; i'd be really pissed off if they were testing me for something and didn't tell me or orleans Jun 13 #10
No, I had called his office a left a message about my memory concerns. I'm OK with how he handlled it. CTyankee Jun 14 #45
well, that's good. i'm glad. nt orleans Jun 14 #50
Hits home Iamscrewed Jun 13 #11
Memory... 3825-87867 Jun 13 #12
My mother told me that my sister bought some memory pills but kept forgetting to take them. Chuckling as she told it. Norrrm Jun 13 #16
I have one of those little boxes with compartments of days Morning Noon Evening Night and hubby helps by arranging the CTyankee Jun 14 #46
Watch What You Say to Your Doctor yellowdogdemocrat1 Jun 13 #14
They have a blood test for dementia? Norrrm Jun 13 #17
Yep. That surprised me, too! CTyankee Jun 14 #47
That's really really generous of you CTyankee JMCKUSICK Jun 13 #19
Well, I consider DU my extended family. CTyankee Jun 14 #38
A blood test for dementia? I've never heard of such a thing. malthaussen Jun 13 #20
The FDA just approved one. See reply 22. highplainsdem Jun 13 #24
Please remember that even the most accurate tests can give false positives. Don't automatically highplainsdem Jun 13 #22
Taking too many prescription drugs can also cause it womanofthehills Jun 14 #40
I take very few drugs for an old person. I consider myself fortunate. CTyankee Jun 14 #48
Anxiety can also be detrimental to your memory 10 Turtle Day Jun 14 #42
Anxiety can also cause memory problems 10 Turtle Day Jun 14 #43
Interesting, from your link: scipan Jun 14 #49
This message was self-deleted by its author COL Mustard Jun 13 #23
My wife and I went to a seminar about dementia since her parents and my father and stepmother are developing turbinetree Jun 13 #25
I discussed this very modern test elsewhere on this site, asking others, (and myself) if they would take it. NNadir Jun 13 #26
"One will find out one's future by living it" OAITW r.2.0 Jun 13 #29
Message auto-removed Name removed Jun 13 #27
Why have you posted this 3 times? chouchou Jun 13 #28
Didn't know they could test for THAT, particularly. elleng Jun 13 #31
Your writing and expression are impeccable. pacalo Jun 13 #32
Thank you! CTyankee Jun 14 #39
RE: Tyrant in the White House. Canada Kid Jun 14 #41
I hope you get very good results. My husband mentioned to the Primary Care MD, that he was having with his memory. Now debm55 Jun 14 #44
You don't need a blood test. Here's the cheat sheet. bucolic_frolic Jun 14 #51
Good for you. MuseRider Jun 14 #54
Forntunately, I spend a lot of my days in art history, which I started to do about 15 years ago. CTyankee Jun 15 #57
Wonderful! MuseRider Jun 15 #58
With the internet SO much is possible. Just pick an artist you like and Google does its thing! CTyankee Jun 15 #59
I was thinking of that exact thing just now. MuseRider Jun 15 #60
Most of Degas' ballet works were painted in the Opera Garnier in Paris which you can visit today. CTyankee Jun 15 #61
I have written a book about art and music because it fascinates me. How do you paint what you can't see? CTyankee Jun 15 #62
My experience MuseRider Jun 14 #55
Posted twice and cant MuseRider Jun 14 #56

pandr32

(13,250 posts)
1. Did the test reveal dementia?
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 08:31 PM
Jun 13

I’m assuming so because you mentioned treatment, but you didn’t come out and say you have it.
Very scary stuff. Hugs.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
2. No, I haven't received the test results yet. I just saw it written on the order as reason for test.
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 08:35 PM
Jun 13

I haven't spoken with the doctor. He is our primary care doc and my husband had an appointment today with him and got the order from him then.

pandr32

(13,250 posts)
33. I hope you get good news.
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 01:04 AM
Jun 14

If not, forewarned is forearmed. There are drugs to slow it down and you can fight its onset with everything you’ve got.
Let us know!

erronis

(20,746 posts)
3. Thank you for being open with this. We all need to confront it - for ourselves and others around us.
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 08:49 PM
Jun 13

There is no shame in talking about a disease, no matter what it is. If one doesn't get us, another one will.

Fortunately there are a lot of support groups for dementia (and other ailments). I'm not yet diagnosed but as I live longer than I had planned, I expect to be - and I want to be prepared.

Best!!!

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
5. Well, if it is dementia, I am in the early stages and writing is probably a great thing for my mind.
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 08:59 PM
Jun 13

But what I DON'T want is to be all drugged up so I can't function normally. I do tire more easily than I used to, but I am 85 years old!

ananda

(32,652 posts)
6. This is why I play bridge.
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 09:41 PM
Jun 13

You might think it's just a game, but it's
actually very complex with lots of parts
moving in different places, requiring
study, concentration and memory.

One teacher I studied with was also a
speech and language specialist, who told me
that studies have shown how good it is
for both body and mind.

It's fun too.

BOSSHOG

(43,438 posts)
9. And do crossword puzzles with your non dominant hand
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:02 PM
Jun 13

And when you are watching TV get up and walk during every commercial. And carry on casual conversations as much as possible. Old dog, new tricks.

ananda

(32,652 posts)
13. Believe it or not, I play cryptic crosswords...
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:23 PM
Jun 13

when my bridge partner is playng the hand.

That way I don't go crazy when she makes a mistake.

BOSSHOG

(43,438 posts)
15. Good for you My Friend
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:28 PM
Jun 13

I’m 71, I get up very morning planning to move as much as possible, and I do. I go to bed worn out, not because of my age but because of my activity.

BOSSHOG

(43,438 posts)
21. A GRUMPY Old Doctor
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:47 PM
Jun 13

Told me this in December 2016 after he put my left arm back together. I’d like to share with all:

In a grumpy Drill Sgt Kind of voice MOVE, EVERY DAY AND WHEN YOU THINK YOU’VE MOVED ENOUGH MOVE SOME MORE.

I think it works.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
36. With arthritis in my lower back it is a challenge.
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 01:33 AM
Jun 14

But I do exercises in bed right before I get up in the morning to stretch and move before I stand. I learned those while in PT.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
37. I don''t know. I just saw it written in the box on the form. I'll ask next time I call the doc's office or when I get
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 01:35 AM
Jun 14

his call with the results.

multigraincracker

(36,039 posts)
52. I have a medical portal.
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 07:36 PM
Jun 14

I log in and my results before my doctor does. Most blood test are posted that day. A few may take 3 days.
I try to donate blood as often as I can. That’s how learned about chronic dehydration. It got to the point where the tech was having a hard time drawing my blood and it took longer to fill the bag. Also it was hell on my kidneys.

orleans

(36,286 posts)
10. you sound pretty easy going; i'd be really pissed off if they were testing me for something and didn't tell me or
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:09 PM
Jun 13

get my permission

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
45. No, I had called his office a left a message about my memory concerns. I'm OK with how he handlled it.
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 10:03 AM
Jun 14

Iamscrewed

(486 posts)
11. Hits home
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:09 PM
Jun 13

Lost an uncle some years back "fast" been in myself because of memory problems. Nobody said that there was a blood test for that. I'll be going back and ask because I'm having issues. THANKS.

Norrrm

(2,526 posts)
16. My mother told me that my sister bought some memory pills but kept forgetting to take them. Chuckling as she told it.
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:37 PM
Jun 13

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
46. I have one of those little boxes with compartments of days Morning Noon Evening Night and hubby helps by arranging the
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 10:06 AM
Jun 14

pills in the right box.

14. Watch What You Say to Your Doctor
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:25 PM
Jun 13

I did medical transcription for years and rapidly found out that doctors will write down everything you say, and it stays in your medical file. Certain things you say can be used against you. Memory problems...do you want to lose your license? Balance problems...you really want to lose your license. Doctors can help you, but they also can take away your quality of life. I remember when my father's license was yanked, he was devastated.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
47. Yep. That surprised me, too!
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 10:07 AM
Jun 14

I'll google it later and find out more details. It's fascinating, if nothing else...

JMCKUSICK

(3,276 posts)
19. That's really really generous of you CTyankee
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:40 PM
Jun 13

To share what you can about this part of your journey will educate and ripple through in untold positive ways. Thank you

highplainsdem

(57,555 posts)
22. Please remember that even the most accurate tests can give false positives. Don't automatically
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 10:58 PM
Jun 13

accept the results. The only FDA-approved test of this type was approved only a few weeks ago: https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/what-to-know-about-the-new-blood-test-for-alzheimers/

And keep in mind there can be other causes of memory problems.

Both older people in general and caregivers tend to be short of sleep, and that will cause problems with memory, but it is NOT dementia.

Problems with nutrition will also affect memory. B vitamins in particular are important.

Thyroid problems affect memory.

IMO your doctor was entirely too eager to order that test. But doctors are pressured by drug companies, as well as by their employers if they don't have their own practice, and there's money in ordering an expensive new test.

womanofthehills

(10,053 posts)
40. Taking too many prescription drugs can also cause it
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 04:01 AM
Jun 14

Drugs stay longer in an older person’s body and they can build up.

When the doc doubled my mom’s BP meds, she became psychotic. Went back to her normal prescription- mind returned to normal. Also look at the side effects on drugs labels - some anti anxiety meds can cause severe confusion so can statins. My neighbor had to go off statins because she didn’t remember the whole week she was on them - like amnesia. She drove out her rural driveway and instead of going right or left - she just drove straight going thru her neighbors fence and driving around her yard thru the trees.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
48. I take very few drugs for an old person. I consider myself fortunate.
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 10:10 AM
Jun 14

I stopped smoking 50 years ago and I stopped drinking any alcohol whatsoever just a few months ago. Hard to give up that glass of wine every night, but I did some research and found out that alcohol is terrible for human consumption! Don't drink it!

10 Turtle Day

(804 posts)
42. Anxiety can also be detrimental to your memory
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 08:01 AM
Jun 14

I’m currently in a research study about memory and anxiety in caretakers and their loved ones. We both have to go to the appointments together. It’s very interesting. Lots of memory tests and surveys about anxiety levels. Counting backwards by 7s really ratchets up my anxiety. There was another with line after line of the words red, green, and blue on a page, but the words were in a different color ink from the printed word and we were to say the color of the ink, not the printed word, as quickly as possible. Just to throw a wrench in it, some words had boxes around them and those we were to say the printed word, not the color of the ink. Very anxiety inducing!

Dehydration is another culprit of poor memory.

As a caretaker, you may be experiencing high levels of anxiety. It can be difficult and taxing. Make time to take care of yourself as well. I wish you the best possible prognosis!

10 Turtle Day

(804 posts)
43. Anxiety can also cause memory problems
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 08:04 AM
Jun 14

I’m currently in a research study about memory and anxiety in caretakers and their loved ones. We both have to go to the appointments together. It’s very interesting. Lots of memory tests and surveys about anxiety levels. Counting backwards by 7s really ratchets up my anxiety. There was another with line after line of the words red, green, and blue on a page, but the words were in a different color ink from the printed word and we were to say the color of the ink, not the printed word, as quickly as possible. Just to throw a wrench in it, some words had boxes around them and those we were to say the printed word, not the color of the ink. Very anxiety inducing!

Dehydration is another culprit of poor memory.

As a caretaker, you may be experiencing high levels of anxiety. It can be difficult and taxing. Make time to take care of yourself as well. I wish you the best possible prognosis!

scipan

(2,917 posts)
49. Interesting, from your link:
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 11:26 AM
Jun 14

A study of 499 individual plasma samples collected at multiple medical centers from adults who were cognitively impaired compared the Lumipulse blood test with results from PET brain scans or CSF samples. Nearly 92 percent of people who tested positive on the Lumipulse blood test had amyloid plaques that were confirmed by PET scans or CSF test results. More than 97 percent of those who had negative results with the Lumipulse blood test had negative amyloid findings on PET scans or CSF test results.

Sometimes results were inconclusive. Less than 20 percent of the 499 people tested had indeterminate results on the Lumipulse blood test.

Response to CTyankee (Original post)

turbinetree

(26,411 posts)
25. My wife and I went to a seminar about dementia since her parents and my father and stepmother are developing
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 11:07 PM
Jun 13

short term memory loss...............found out that everyone has some form of dementia, and that there are 65 different forms and where they have located them in the brain and that most dementia starts around the age of 35.
What was striking was that when someone has anger dementia the brain tries to defend its self from the discussion ( that's why you do not argue with older person with dementia) and the reason being is that there is a film around the brain to protect itself from harm and when it perceives that it is being attacked you might say...........the brain starts to shrinks to protect itself..........and then makes the dementia worse........and dementia is hereditary...........

NNadir

(36,209 posts)
26. I discussed this very modern test elsewhere on this site, asking others, (and myself) if they would take it.
Fri Jun 13, 2025, 11:08 PM
Jun 13
There's likely a test. Would you really want to know the result?

I wrote it in the Science forum.

This surprising find came in on my news feed. Just a few years ago, there was no biomarker; now apparently there are five

I am currently reading Charles Piller's Doctored, Fraud, Arrogance and Tragedy in the Quest to Cure Alzheimer's.

I am peripherally interested in the science of Alzheimer's, having supported teams working in the area.

Piller does quite a nice job at addressing "preventive treatment" of dubious value and high risk.

According to the book, and I'll need to verify this in the literature if I have time, there are people who test positive for tau oligomers who don't get dementia. I know of whole families who are positive for the APOE2 gene where Alzheimer's is unknown. People are looking into the genome of these families to see what's going on. It's rare enough to have not been known, but a chance discovery showed the case to exist.

As for the disease itself, and worrying about getting it, and ruining the surprise by finding out...

I wouldn't want to be tempted to take take test, and I won't do so. There's no reason to do so. I recognize I'm in decline, but that's the fun of growing old. The alternative was dying young. I have noticed some changes to my memory, particularly for names, and certain technical terms and concepts. The other day, I couldn't remember that neutron absorption in 138Ba results in the transmutation to lanthanum - the word "lanthanum" escaped me - but while I've always had a working knowledge of all the stable s, p, and d elements, I've sometimes stumbled, even when young, with the lanthanides. I can live without the word "lanthanum" on the tip of my tongue. Reciting the periodic table was always a cheap parlor trick anyway.

One will find out one's future by living it, maybe at the risk to not be cognizant enough to know it, in short order. What's the use of predicting the future? To me, mortality strikes me as a beautiful thing, as life is more precious in its presence.

As long as I know I love my wife, I'm OK and life, for whatever it is, is worth living.

Response to CTyankee (Original post)

 

Canada Kid

(257 posts)
41. RE: Tyrant in the White House.
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 07:39 AM
Jun 14

I don't think there is a test for abject stupidity! But for you I wish you good luck and good health!

debm55

(48,747 posts)
44. I hope you get very good results. My husband mentioned to the Primary Care MD, that he was having with his memory. Now
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 08:55 AM
Jun 14

he is scheduled to have a Brain Scan next week.

MuseRider

(34,854 posts)
54. Good for you.
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 08:56 PM
Jun 14

I hope anything that shows up is early enough for you to at least control.

I must make myself go to the doc. I know I have this (ex critical care nurse) but I have put it off. My heart ablation that was scheduled for 30 minutes took 5 1/2 hours. I had a stroke so...I had another and...........

It is frustrating. One thing though.....if you have any trouble with getting this site or you forget your numbers or sign in this site has the most wonderful admins. I thought I would lose my mind and I cried for a while because I could not post and I could not figure out how to get to them for help. I needed people to talk to. Remember that and be smarter than I was and keep your passwords where you can get them.

One more thing, stay happy and sing happy songs. It is hard but my life is SO SO much better because I can sing for joy. I helps you remember things too.

There are many things that can help if you do have that. Your docs will help you. Smile a lot (I would have punched someone that said that before, but just do it) and sing.

Good luck. You know where I am if you need some help. Stay strong and determined.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
57. Forntunately, I spend a lot of my days in art history, which I started to do about 15 years ago.
Sun Jun 15, 2025, 05:34 AM
Jun 15

It has been the most enriching thing I ever did, an experience that still enriches me every day. It is both exciting and soothing. I am thrilled and surprised every time I engage my mind in it.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
59. With the internet SO much is possible. Just pick an artist you like and Google does its thing!
Sun Jun 15, 2025, 08:51 AM
Jun 15

Pretty soon you see other artists who painted/sculpted like the one you like and you get more. And then you get others and it seems endless. Then you either stop or you risk getting HOOKED like me! (Not the worst addiction to have...)

MuseRider

(34,854 posts)
60. I was thinking of that exact thing just now.
Sun Jun 15, 2025, 09:03 AM
Jun 15

I read your response again and brought that into my space, music, and realized how many times I follow those kinds of threads putting music together. It sure helps you to understand what the composer or artist wanted you to get and the direction it took them. I can certainly see the addiction.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
61. Most of Degas' ballet works were painted in the Opera Garnier in Paris which you can visit today.
Sun Jun 15, 2025, 09:44 AM
Jun 15

Glorious architecture!

Mary Cassatt also painted some performances there, but Degas did lots and lots. He also painted the young dancers in the company in rehearsal with the Ballet Master and his large stick banging out the time. He even painted the Mamas of these dancers (some of whom were quite young) watching the rehearsals. They were often poor girls who were, sadly, exploited sexually by the older men who attended the performances in their evening finery and expected "favors" from their young prey. So Degas can be hard to view given today's consciousness of their socio-economic situation.

CTyankee

(66,643 posts)
62. I have written a book about art and music because it fascinates me. How do you paint what you can't see?
Sun Jun 15, 2025, 03:11 PM
Jun 15

It has fascinated artists over centuries. One of the most famous attempts at this is the series Edgar Degas painted at the Paris Ballet in the 19th century in the famed Garner Theatre. I did an entire section on the lute because it was so beautiful, both in design and sound, that artists were drawn to recreating it in paint. I was surprised to find out how many images over the years there were!

MuseRider

(34,854 posts)
55. My experience
Sat Jun 14, 2025, 09:03 PM
Jun 14

I hope anything that shows up is early enough for you to at least control.

I must make myself go to the doc. I know I have this (ex critical care nurse) but I have put it off. My heart ablation that was scheduled for 30 minutes took 5 1/2 hours. I had a stroke so...I had another and...........

It is frustrating. One thing though.....if you have any trouble with getting this site or you forget your numbers or sign in this site has the most wonderful admins. I thought I would lose my mind and I cried for a while because I could not post and I could not figure out how to get to them for help. I needed people to talk to. Remember that and be smarter than I was and keep your passwords where you can get them.

One more thing, stay happy and sing happy songs. It is hard but my life is SO SO much better because I can sing for joy. I helps you remember things too.

There are many things that can help if you do have that. Your docs will help you. Smile a lot (I would have punched someone that said that before, but just do it) and sing.

Good luck. You know where I am if you need some help. Stay strong and determined.

Again, our admins are the greatest people. They don't know it but they saved my life. I live in the boonies and I totally screwed my ability to get back here over and over and over again. No one to talk to most all the time. When we figured it out I messed it up over and over again. Stay calm and sing.

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