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Why acting early matters
Sharing details about your memory and thinking issues with your doctor can help determine if testing is the right next step for you. Start by getting a memory and thinking assessment during your annual wellness visit. The earlier you test, the more options you may have, and the more you can plan.
Tests are an important part in potentially helping identify the cause of your memory and thinking issues
Diagnosing potential causes of thinking or memory issues can be difficult. The process of getting a diagnosis may take time, but is a critical step on the path to treatment. To evaluate what might be the problem, your doctor may run a few tests that assess your thinking, memory, and decision-making abilities:
- First, you may have to discuss your medical history
- Next, you may have to do blood tests, as well as physical and neurological exams
- Then, your doctor may give you a verbal test or questionnaire
- Finally, your doctor may refer you for additional testing, including brain imaging tests, or refer you to a specialist to learn more about your condition
Clinical assessments help your doctor evaluate your memory and thinking issues, and determine whether to request further testing
There are three different types of tests that may help identify amyloid plaques in the brain:
Blood tests
Blood biomarker tests can determine the likelihood of the presence of abnormal amyloid in the brain. Depending on the results of the test, it may be followed by a CSF test or PET scan to determine potential eligibility for treatment
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
A PET scan produces an image of the brain and can show if amyloid plaques are present. This can help confirm diagnosis and determine potential eligibility for treatment
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests
With a CSF test, also called a lumbar puncture, your doctor is able to identify amyloid. This can help confirm diagnosis and determine potential eligibility for treatment
Ask your doctor about getting tested to help you understand the potential cause of your memory and thinking issues. You and your doctor can discuss each type of test in detail and determine which may be right for you. The results of these tests are important in helping decide next steps, including possible treatment.
What about coverage?
Medicare provides coverage for an annual memory and thinking assessment after you turn 65.* Talk to your doctor about assessing your brain health during your annual checkup.
Private coverage varies by test and insurance plan. When you and your doctor discuss different types of tests, ask about your coverage options.
*You must be enrolled for at least 1 year before Medicare provides coverage for an annual wellness visit.
Below are some key questions you can ask your doctor at your next appointment
Screenshot or write down these questions to ask your doctor
Have you already asked your doctor about memory and thinking issues?
Even if you’ve had conversations about your memory and thinking issues before, things can change. Don’t hesitate to revisit the topic with your doctor.
Discover available treatments that may help.