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Can Dementia Be Diagnosed Through A Blood Test?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Jul 2015
Question: I am to have a further blood check on Monday - specimen to be in lab within 4 hours. I am suffering from what I regard as early dementia - forgetting people - is there a link-up please?

DoB XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Blood tests are to look for possibles causes and not diagnosis of dementia!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about the knee replacement and the difficulties you have remembering the names of people.

However, there are no blood tests that are done to show someone has dementia. Dementia is diagnosed through examination. Test done when evaluating for dementia focus at looking at potential causes and not at making the diagnosis. Possible causes of dementia that can be diagnosed through a blood test are low thyroid hormones and low levels of Vitamin B12.

I will also like to take a look at the list of your medications. Also, are there any other things which you forget such as taking your medications, names of places, your way around the city, etc?

I hope this helps with understanding your problem. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Can Dementia Be Diagnosed Through A Blood Test?

Brief Answer: Blood tests are to look for possibles causes and not diagnosis of dementia! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about the knee replacement and the difficulties you have remembering the names of people. However, there are no blood tests that are done to show someone has dementia. Dementia is diagnosed through examination. Test done when evaluating for dementia focus at looking at potential causes and not at making the diagnosis. Possible causes of dementia that can be diagnosed through a blood test are low thyroid hormones and low levels of Vitamin B12. I will also like to take a look at the list of your medications. Also, are there any other things which you forget such as taking your medications, names of places, your way around the city, etc? I hope this helps with understanding your problem. I wish you well and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.