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Evaluation and Testing
Evaluation and Testing
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What to Expect in Memory and Thinking Evaluation and Testing
The process of evaluating and testing what might be behind your memory and thinking issues can take time. To evaluate what might be the problem, your doctor may run a full assessment of your thinking, memory, and decision-making abilities.
This is an example of the steps someone may experience to evaluate and test memory and thinking issues. Individual experiences may vary.
Step 1:
Talk with your primary care physician (PCP) about an evaluation
Make an appointment to talk to your PCP about your memory and thinking issues. It may be helpful to explain specific situations when you have experienced memory and thinking issues, whether they are becoming more frequent, and what your loved ones are noticing about your symptoms. Discuss your medical and family history with your doctor as well.
Step 2:
Get a cognitive assessment
Your doctor may then perform a cognitive, functional, and/or behavioral assessment to evaluate your cognitive health.
Step 3:
Routine blood work
Then, you may have routine blood work done that can help identify what may be contributing to your memory and thinking issues.
Step 4:
Blood biomarker tests*
Depending on the results of your cognitive assessment and initial blood work, your healthcare provider may order a blood biomarker test. This test may assess biomarkers such as P-tau217, which could help determine the likelihood of the presence of abnormal amyloid plaque buildup in your brain.
Step 5:
See a specialist
Next, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing. This could include brain imaging tests (positron emission tomography, or PET scan) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test to further determine if your memory and thinking issues could be due to an abnormal buildup of amyloid plaque in the brain.
Step 6:
Discuss your treatment options
Depending on your results, your doctor will discuss what next step is right for you, including possible treatment options.
*Must meet testing criteria. These tests are not intended to be used as a standalone diagnostic.
P-tau=phosphorylated tau.
There are 3 different types of tests that are often used to further evaluate memory and thinking issues:
Blood-based biomarker tests*
Biomarkers, or biological markers, are signs about your health that your doctor evaluates in testing. Blood biomarker tests that include P‑tau217 can determine the likelihood of the presence of abnormal amyloid plaque buildup in your brain.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
A PET scan produces an image of the brain and can show if amyloid plaque buildup is present. This can help your doctor determine a diagnosis and evaluate your treatment options.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test
A CSF test is an assessment that requires a lumbar puncture to help your doctor identify amyloid plaque buildup. This can help your doctor determine a diagnosis and evaluate potential treatment options.
*Must meet testing criteria. These tests are not intended to be used as a standalone diagnostic.
What about coverage?
Medicare provides coverage for an annual wellness visit that includes a memory and thinking assessment.† This assessment can give you and your doctor a baseline to help track your brain health.
†You must be enrolled for at least 1 year before Medicare provides coverage for an annual wellness visit.
Private coverage varies by test and insurance plan. When you and your doctor discuss different types of tests, ask about your coverage options.
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