What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing memory problems, confusion, difficulty with thinking or reasoning, or have concerns about Alzheimer's disease risk. It measures a specific brain protein called p-tau181 in your blood that can indicate early changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, often before significant symptoms appear. Many people use this test when they notice cognitive changes in themselves or have a family history of Alzheimer's and want to assess their risk early.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your p-tau181 levels mean for your brain health and cognitive function. These notes include personalized recommendations such as lifestyle modifications for brain health, when to consider further neurological evaluation, or whether additional testing may be beneficial. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially valuable for monitoring brain health as you age or if you're implementing preventive strategies.

What's included in this test?

This test measures phosphorylated tau181 (p-tau181) protein levels in your blood plasma. Elevated p-tau181 is associated with the brain changes that occur in Alzheimer's disease, making it a valuable biomarker for early detection and risk assessment. This blood-based test offers a less invasive alternative to traditional brain imaging or spinal fluid testing for evaluating Alzheimer's-related changes.

How should I prepare for this test?

If you take biotin supplements, it's important to pause them before testing as they can interfere with results. For standard daily biotin doses, stop taking them at least 8 hours before your blood draw. If you're taking high-dose biotin supplements (mega-doses), you'll need to wait at least 72 hours after your last dose before testing to ensure accurate results.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for adults experiencing memory concerns, confusion, or other cognitive changes that worry them or their family. It's particularly important for people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease, those over 60 with increasing forgetfulness, or anyone wanting to establish a baseline for their brain health. Early detection allows for earlier intervention with lifestyle changes and potential treatments that may slow progression.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Consider this test if you're noticing increased forgetfulness, difficulty remembering recent conversations or events, trouble with problem-solving or planning, confusion about time or place, or difficulty completing familiar tasks. Other signs include misplacing items frequently, poor judgment or decision-making, withdrawal from social activities, or changes in mood and personality. While these can have many causes, they warrant evaluation if they're worsening or affecting daily life.

How can I naturally support my brain health?

Supporting brain health involves regular physical exercise, especially aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling, which increase blood flow to the brain. Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills, or social interactions. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats while limiting processed foods. Prioritize quality sleep, manage stress through relaxation techniques, and maintain social connections, all of which support cognitive function.

What is p-tau181 and why does it matter?

P-tau181 is a protein that accumulates in the brain during Alzheimer's disease. In healthy brains, tau proteins help maintain the structure of nerve cells, but in Alzheimer's, these proteins become abnormally modified and clump together, damaging brain cells. Measuring p-tau181 levels in blood can indicate whether these harmful changes are occurring in the brain, allowing for earlier detection and intervention before significant symptoms develop.

What does high p-tau181 mean?

Elevated p-tau181 levels may indicate increased risk for Alzheimer's disease or suggest that Alzheimer's-related brain changes are occurring. However, high levels don't automatically mean you have or will definitely develop Alzheimer's - they indicate a need for further evaluation and monitoring. Your doctor may recommend additional testing, brain imaging, cognitive assessments, or developing a comprehensive brain health plan with lifestyle interventions.

How often should I retest my p-tau181 levels?

If your initial results are normal but you have risk factors or family history, retesting every 1-2 years may be appropriate for monitoring. If your levels are elevated, your doctor will likely recommend more frequent testing every 6-12 months to track changes over time. Regular monitoring helps assess whether lifestyle interventions or treatments are effective and allows for early detection of any progression.

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.

How do I know which test to get?

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.

When will my lab results be available?

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.

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?

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.

Do you accept health insurance?

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.

Can I cancel my order?

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.

How can I find a lab location near me?

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.

Memory & Cognitive Test - Alzheimer's Risk Assessment

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!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Blood Test for Memory Problems and Cognitive Decline

Quest AD-Detect® Phosphorylated tau181(p-tau181), Plasma

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Find a lab near you

Blood Test for Memory Problems and Cognitive Decline

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say