PTau 217

jwrrogers

Hi everyone… my name is Jason and I am new to this group. Just a little background… My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago.
So partially due to that fact, coupled with the feeling that I am struggling with recently learned tasks and names, I decided to have a pTau 217 blood test done. I got the results and my numbers are definitely out of the normal range and on the high end. I have been doing a lot of research trying to calculate my next steps moving forward.

sadly, right now we do not have insurance and won’t be able to get any for the next few months. So having an MRI or PET scan might be cost prohibitive now. Just wondering if anyone may have some suggestions for moving forward. Without an official diagnosis, would it be reasonable for me to move forward with the assumption that I likely have a degree of early onset Alzheimer’s? Or does anyone have a better idea? Thank you in advance for any observations you may have.

GEH

Hi. There are option free cost free. I don't know where you live but Barrow Neurological Institute, as part of Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, provides options for patients who cannot pay for care. They generally provide care regardless of a patient's ability to pay, particularly for services covered under their mission-based programs. Please check

Finding free or low-cost neurological help nationwide typically involves coordinating between specialized advocacy groups, federal health centers, and financial assistance foundations. Because neurology is a specialty, most patients start with a primary care provider at a community clinic to secure a referral. [1]1. Locate a Community Health CenterFederally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) provide care regardless of your ability to pay, using a sliding fee scale based on your income. [1, 2, 3]

National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC): A network of over 1,400 clinics dedicated to the medically underserved across the U.S.. [1, 2, 3]

Early intervention is really important. Please reach out .

LBC83

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75957/ptau-217

Sorry to hear of your situation. As you posted to a forum sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, one next step might be to call their free 24/7 helpline at 800.272.3900. The first helpline agent you speak with can provide resources, and you can also request a free consultation with a dementia expert.

I was diagnosed with AD in April 2024, and I’ve been receiving regular Leqembi infusions since June2024. Leqembi is an FDA-approved anti-amyloid treatment.

An AD diagnosis generally consists of two parts: biomarker evidence suggesting Alzheimer’s pathology, and cognitive testing showing deficits in areas associated with AD. In my case, I also underwent numerous additional tests to rule out other possible causes of cognitive symptoms.

I use the term “suggesting” intentionally, because there are now several different Alzheimer’s blood-based biomarker tests available, and they vary in accuracy. Some correlate very well with amyloid PET scans, while others are less reliable. Without knowing the exact test and methodology used, it is difficult to know how strongly to interpret your high pTau217 result.

Also, difficulties with names, concentration, or recently learned tasks can sometimes be caused by other factors such as stress, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, medications, or other medical conditions.

So while your results may justify further follow-up, I would personally be cautious about assuming you already have Alzheimer’s disease without a more complete medical evaluation. An expert opinion from a doctor would be a very reasonable next step when you are able to pursue one.

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline

jwrrogers

Thank you!

notequipped

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75957/ptau-217

No idea what your financial situation is like but I just learned very recently that the cash pay option for imaging is significantly less expensive than our copay with insurance. My husband has done that for several different imaging tests for various reasons. FYI - same thing with urgent care.

Nova1

I was diagnosed by way of a spinal tap..I had been dealing issues from a tick bite that had parasites that attacked my blood cells. After, I had lingering problems with memory and cognitive issues. Blood tests showed nothing, as a last resort, they suggested the spinal tap. My wife asked if it was possible to check for Alz. BINGO!

So, I'm not sure what hoops you would have to jump through, but it's a shot.