Dementia laboratory findings
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Dementia Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Limited laboratory testing is recommended in most patients being evaluated for cognitive impairment and dementia. We do not order other laboratory tests unless there is a specific suspicion for abnormality. Other than the routine lab work for dementia, other laboratory tests are not recommended unless there is a specific suspicion for abnormality.
Laboratory Findings
Routine lab work for dementias include:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Toxicology screening
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Calcium
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) / creatinine
- Glucose
- Thyroid function tests
- Vitamin B12 levels[1]
- Folate levels
- Infectious/inflammatory screenings
- HIV testing for suspected patients
- Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) testing for those patients suspected of having syphilis
Electrolyte and Biomarker Studies
References
- ↑ Knopman DS, DeKosky ST, Cummings JL, Chui H, Corey-Bloom J, Relkin N, Small GW, Miller B, Stevens JC (May 2001). "Practice parameter: diagnosis of dementia (an evidence-based review). Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology". Neurology. 56 (9): 1143–53. doi:10.1212/wnl.56.9.1143. PMID 11342678.