CSF Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

Anonymousjpl123

So apparently there is something called CSF biomarkers that can be tested to help diagnose Alzheimer’s. You get these through a lumbar puncture, which, as in my LO’s case, is also used for NPH. The neurologist questioned in my LO’s chart why they didn’t test for this. Does anyone know about this test?

charityrose

My dad has had two different neurologists recommend a lumbar puncture, spinal tap, to confirm an Alzheimers diagnosis. It doesn't sound like it 100% confirms it but nearly and can rule out other things. They gave some details on how it looks at a specific marker (I think protein), but I don't recall how it worked. It's worth reaching out to their PCP to ask about it. I was told insurance would cover it.

Anonymousjpl123

Wow, thank you. It’s the first I heard of this. I’m not sure it’s worth it to have my mom do it again (they already did it once last year to test for something else, shunt-responsive NPH, per neurosurgeon). So the neurologist from the same hospital was asking why they didn’t test for the specific market at the same time.

I will tell you one thing I’ve learned: neurologists and neurosurgeons have very different opinions. We still have so much to learn about it.

Quilting brings calm

Mom’s NP in neurology has never suggested a lumbar puncture or a PET scan.

Anonymousjpl123

Thanks @Quilting brings calm . I am glad to be leaving “no stone unturned,” but I see now that I’m kind of grasping. I wish there was more I could do.

mabelgirl

My mom’s doctor tells me there are no need for extra tests as it doesn’t alter the treatment plan.

rockymtngrrl

My husband failed the cognitive test and next is the lumbar puncture. He has been having problems with memory and confusion, with some days better than ever. One day, when I finally convinced him to go see his PCP for a referral, I had to tell him we had the exact same conversation five minutes apart. I am afraid of our diagnosis but it is starting to make sense about the other behaviors since basically the pandemic; lack of interest in the things we used to do, getting more violent when he's angry, etc. He did stop drinking daily because we looked up alcohol dementia which can be reversed somewhat, so there's that. I have a feeling I will be here in the future, though.

Are MRI's not as indicitive? Curious if anyone knows.

Anonymousjpl123

@rockymtngrrl I believe the gold standard for tests are:

Full neuropsych/cognitive test by a neurologist (takes a long time, about an hour)

MRI

Blood Tests

Lumbar Puncture

With the lumbar puncture, see if they can check for ALZ biomarkers AND something called NPH - Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus - which can, if found early, be treated with a shunt for relief.

I cannot say how great it is you are starting this now. He will absolutely deny it (Anosagnosia - I’m sure I’m spelling thus wrong, you can google). But the sooner he gets help the better for both of you. Also, please don’t be shy to start a new thread: you will get more and helpful responses. Glad you found this site it was a lifesaver for me,

rockymtngrrl

Super helpful, thank you for that information. We have just met with the neuro once, and waiting to get the spinal puncture scheduled. He has also had an MRI. The anosagnosia is strong in this one, if you know what I mean. He had trouble with the menu and also the aisles at Costco yesterday but it is 'my fault' and I 'got him flustered' which is the excuse I've been hearing about some of these behaviors in the last couple of years. Now it makes so much more sense.

I will start a thread because I really need to get advice mostly now on how to deal with him so I'm not always yelling and frustrated because I don't recognize the behavior, and how I should react/act instead.