"Doctor, Doctor" Who can help me?

I loved the 80's and 90's, it was frankly the best time of my life. So carefree, no cell phones recording my antics, no social media taking my time, home before street lights and I was in good shape! And the best part of the 80/90's???? The music. Rock, Rap, Alternative, even "New Country" came out (Garth Brooks, lol).

So you have some signs, your Doctor, you or your partner/spouse is not sure what is going on.

Here are your asks:

1. What tests do you need for a DX? Here they are: I suggest you start with the blood tests, as they are cheapest, but you will need a PET scan AND a positive neuropsych evaluation for any "official diagnosis" for disability.

Tests for Diagnosing Early Onset Alzheimer's

1. Cognitive and Neuropsychological Tests: These tests assess memory, problem-solving, attention, language, and other cognitive abilities.- who to see? Neurologist or Psychologist specializing in Brain Disease.

   Neuropsychological tests

   • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): A common test that assesses memory, orientation, reading, writing, and short-term memory 

   • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A test that evaluates a broader range of cognitive abilities than the MMSE 

   • Mini-Cog: A three-minute memory test that also requires patients to draw a clock 

   • Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination - Revised (ACE-R): A screening tool that assesses attention, orientation, language, and memory 

2. Medical History and Physical Exam: A thorough medical history and physical examination can help rule out other causes of cognitive decline.

3. Brain Imaging: Imaging techniques such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scans can identify changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. (In My Opinion Only (IMO), MRI is not very good at seeing EOA). We found that the Amyloid Pet Scan is the most solid test to get a diagnosis, but insurance is reluctant to pay, The cost of an amyloid PET scan can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the location, the facility performing the scan, and whether or not the patient has insurance coverage. On average, the price can range from $5,000 to $8,000. However, it's essential to check with specific healthcare providers and insurance plans for the most accurate and current pricing information.

4. Blood Tests to detect Alzheimer's are available, they run about $300-$500 out of pocket *(my really good insurance did not cover in 2023 they were new)

   Types of Blood Tests: 

   • Amyloid beta (Aβ) test:

     Measures the levels of Aβ protein in the blood. Abnormally high levels of Aβ can indicate the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's. 

   • Phosphorylated tau (p-tau) test:

     Measures the levels of p-tau protein in the blood. Abnormally high levels of p-tau can indicate the presence of neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, another hallmark of Alzheimer's. 

5. Genetic Testing: (SOLID tests, looking for APO3 and APO4 genetic markers) In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to identify specific genes associated with early onset Alzheimer's. (My amazing insurance did not cover this either, (wa wa).

6. Spinal Tap- the most painful, I am hearing most accurate.

Insurance Coverage

1. Check Your Policy: Coverage for diagnostic tests can vary significantly between insurance providers. It's essential to review your specific policy details.

2. Pre-Authorization: Some tests may require pre-authorization from your insurance company before they are performed.

3. Consult Your Provider: Contact your insurance provider directly to inquire about coverage for specific tests related to Alzheimer's diagnosis.

"Doctor, Doctor" by Thompson Twins