Patients
Take Control with Early Detection
A simple blood test can provide answers about Alzheimer’s risk.
pTau217 is a protein that builds up in the brain very early in Alzheimer’s disease. Until recently, these changes could only be detected using spinal fluid tests (lumbar punctures) or brain scans (PET scans). New research shows that these changes can be detected by measuring pTau217 in the blood—making it easier to check for the changes linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Why Early Answers Matter
Finding out about Alzheimer’s disease early can help you and your family:
- Start treatment sooner – medicines and lifestyle changes work best when initiated early.
- Access Clinical Trials – giving you more options for care and support.
- Plan ahead – make choices about health, finances, and care while you can.
- Find peace of mind – sometimes memory changes are caused by other conditions, and testing can help provide clarity.
pTau217 blood tests are beginning to be used for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. They are quick and simple, and research shows they can give results similar to brain scans (PET) and spinal fluid tests (CSF).
How do I get tested?
If you are over 55 and notice changes in memory or thinking, the first step is to talk to your doctor.
Here’s how it works:
- Start the conversation – tell your doctor about your memory concerns.
- Your doctor will decide if the test is right for you.
- A small blood sample is taken at a clinic or sometimes at home.
- Results will come back in about a week. Your doctor will explain what they mean and guide you on next steps
Important note:
Blood tests using the ALZpath pTau217 antibody are currently available through certain specialized laboratories as a laboratory-developed test (LDT). It has not been approved or cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Doctors use it alongside other information when evaluating memory concerns.
Patient FAQs
Patient FAQ
How is the test administered?
The test requires a simple blood draw, typically conducted in a physician’s office, or certified laboratory
Can I purchase the test without going through my medical provider?
Your doctor must order the test for you. We can provide your doctor with information to help them understand the test and how to order it.
Can I order the test for a loved one?
The test must be ordered for each patient individually, but you may support your loved one in receiving a requisition form from their doctor.
How will I receive my results?
Your results will be sent to your provider through a secure portal, and they will discuss the next steps with you.
Should I get tested if I have no symptoms?
pTau217 testing is currently intended for individuals experiencing cognitive symptoms or memory concerns. Ongoing research is exploring its potential use in people at risk but not yet symptomatic, with the goal of enabling earlier detection and intervention in the future.
Should I get tested if I have symptoms of cognitive decline?
If you are experiencing memory issues or other cognitive symptoms, a pTau217 blood test may help clarify whether Alzheimer’s disease could be contributing – providing guidance for the next steps.
How old must I be to receive ALZpathDx?
The test is intended for individuals 55 and older who are experiencing cognitive or memory concerns.
What does ALZpathDx show?
Elevated levels of pTau217 in the blood may indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
What should I do if my blood biomarker levels are abnormal?
Follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.
Is ALZpathDx offered outside of the US and Canada?
Yes, please contact Neurocode to learn more.
Will insurance cover the test?
Currently, the test is not covered by insurance.
How much does the test cost?
For more details contact Neurocode at customercare@neurocode.com.
Is ALZpathDx approved by the FDA?
Currently, the test is not FDA-approved. ALZpathDx is available as a lab developed test at Neurocode, a CLIA certified laboratory.
Alzheimer's Disease
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually damages brain cells, leading to worsening memory loss, confusion, and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving, and language. Over time, it affects a person’s ability to conduct daily activities and maintain independence. It is the most common cause of dementia in older adults.
What causes Alzheimer’s disease?
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood. However, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Abnormal protein deposits in the brain—such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles—are hallmarks of the disease, and these changes disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually lead to cell death.
How is Alzheimer’s disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease involves a comprehensive evaluation. This typically includes a review of the patient’s medical history, interviews with family members, cognitive and memory assessments, and neurological exams. Doctors may also use brain imaging (such as MRI or PET scans) and laboratory tests, including blood tests or spinal fluid analysis, to help rule out other conditions and support the diagnosis.
What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are other types as well, such as vascular dementia and Lewy body disease. In other words, all Alzheimer’s disease is dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
Biomarkers
What is a biomarker?
A biomarker is a measurable substance or characteristic in the body—such as a protein, gene, or molecule—that provides information about a biological process, disease state, or response to treatment. In Alzheimer’s disease, biomarkers help clinicians identify and monitor the presence and progression of the disease, often before symptoms appear.
What are blood biomarkers?
Blood biomarkers are specific indicators that can be detected through a simple blood test. In Alzheimer’s disease, these biomarkers—such as certain forms of amyloid and tau proteins—can reveal changes in the brain long before cognitive symptoms develop. Blood-based biomarkers are less invasive, more accessible, and more cost-effective than traditional methods like spinal fluid analysis or brain imaging, making early detection and monitoring easier for patients and clinicians
What is pTau217?
pTau217 is a specific form of the tau protein that has been modified by the addition of phosphate groups (phosphorylation). It is closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease pathology and is considered one of the most reliable blood biomarkers for detecting the disease. Elevated levels of pTau217 in the blood strongly correlate with the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
What causes a build-up of pTau217?
A build-up of pTau217 occurs when tau proteins in the brain become abnormally phosphorylated, causing them to form tangles inside nerve cells. These tau tangles disrupt cell function and are a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease. The accumulation of pTau217 reflects underlying disease processes that contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Curious to Learn More?
Connect With us
Get in touch to learn more about pTau217 testing and how ALZpath is working with the community to support earlier answers for families with Alzheimer’s.