This test is ideal if you're experiencing memory problems, confusion, or cognitive changes that concern you or your family. It measures a brain protein called p-tau217 that appears in the blood when there's damage to brain cells associated with Alzheimer's disease. Many people use this test when they want early detection of Alzheimer's risk before symptoms become severe, or when they have a family history of dementia and want to be proactive about brain health.
How should I prepare for this test?
No biotin:72 hours
You should stop taking any biotin supplements at least 72 hours (3 days) before your blood draw. Biotin can interfere with the test results and cause inaccurate readings. Other than avoiding biotin, no special preparation like fasting is required. You can take other medications as normal unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
What's included in this test?
This test measures phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217), a specific brain protein that leaks into the bloodstream when brain cells are damaged in Alzheimer's disease. Elevated p-tau217 levels can indicate increased risk of Alzheimer's years before significant symptoms appear, making it a powerful early screening tool. This biomarker is one of the most accurate blood-based indicators for detecting Alzheimer's-related brain changes and helps guide decisions about further testing or early intervention strategies.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your p-tau217 levels mean for your brain health and Alzheimer's risk. These notes include personalized recommendations like cognitive exercises, lifestyle modifications to support brain health, dietary suggestions, and whether you should follow up with a neurologist for further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your biomarker levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially valuable for monitoring brain health as you age.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is important for adults over 50 experiencing memory lapses, difficulty with familiar tasks, or changes in thinking and reasoning. It's especially valuable if you have a family history of Alzheimer's or dementia, carry genetic risk factors like APOE4, or are concerned about early cognitive decline. People who want proactive brain health screening or are working with neurologists to assess dementia risk should also consider this test.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common signs include forgetting recent conversations or events, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion with time or place, and trouble completing familiar tasks. You might also notice challenges with words in speaking or writing, misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps, decreased judgment, or withdrawal from social activities. If family members have expressed concern about your memory or thinking abilities, that's another important indicator to consider testing.
How can I naturally support my brain health?
Engage in regular physical exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or dancing, which increases blood flow to the brain. Stay mentally active with puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or social activities that challenge your thinking. Follow a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fish, olive oil, vegetables, and berries while limiting processed foods and sugar. Prioritize quality sleep, manage stress through mindfulness or meditation, and maintain strong social connections with friends and family.
What is p-tau217 and why does it matter?
P-tau217 is a modified form of tau protein that becomes abnormal in Alzheimer's disease. When brain cells are damaged, this protein accumulates and forms tangles inside neurons, then leaks into the bloodstream where it can be measured. Detecting elevated p-tau217 levels can identify Alzheimer's-related brain changes 10-20 years before major symptoms appear, giving you the opportunity for early intervention, lifestyle changes, and treatment planning.
What does high p-tau217 mean?
Elevated p-tau217 levels suggest there may be Alzheimer's-related changes occurring in your brain, indicating increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. This doesn't mean you definitely have Alzheimer's or will develop severe dementia, but it signals the need for closer monitoring and proactive steps. High levels typically warrant follow-up with a neurologist for additional testing like brain imaging or cognitive assessments.
How often should I retest my p-tau217 levels?
If your initial results are normal and you have no symptoms, retesting every 2-3 years may be appropriate for ongoing monitoring, especially if you have risk factors. If levels are elevated, your doctor may recommend retesting every 6-12 months to track progression and evaluate how interventions are working. The frequency depends on your age, symptoms, family history, and whether you're implementing preventive strategies or treatments.
How’s this work?
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Demo results
Phosphorylated tau217 (p-tau217)2.8 pg/mL
Demo results
Normal < 2.5Elevated ≥ 2.5
2.8 pg/mL
What this means
Your p-tau217 level is slightly above the normal threshold, which may indicate early Alzheimer's-related changes in your brain. While this doesn't confirm Alzheimer's disease, it suggests increased risk and warrants closer monitoring and proactive brain health strategies.
Recommended actions
Follow up with a neurologist for comprehensive cognitive assessment
Engage in daily mental exercises like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills
Adopt a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, olive oil, vegetables, and berries
Maintain regular physical exercise and prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep
Consider retesting in 6-12 months to monitor trends
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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