Phosphorylated Tau 181
PTAU 181
Description
"Phosphorylated Tau 181" (p-Tau 181) test measures a form of tau protein in blood or cerebrospinal fluid to assess risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Elevated levels may indicate early brain changes linked to memory loss or cognitive decline. Doctors use this test when symptoms like confusion or forgetfulness appear, especially with a family history of dementia. Results help confirm diagnosis, guide early care plans, and support proactive strategies to slow progression and preserve brain function.
Category
Proteins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Plasma
Units
Picograms Per Milliliter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Chronic Illness Group
Test Group Description
Chronic Illness Group: This group encompasses a range of tests specifically tailored to assess markers associated with chronic health conditions, providing comprehensive insights into the management and monitoring of chronic illnesses.
Optimal Range
Ages 0–55 Years:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Ages 55+ Years:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
Ages 0–55 Years:
Conventional Unit: 0.00–0.95 pg/mL
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Ages 55+ Years:
Conventional Unit: 0.00–0.97 pg/mL
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Alzheimer's disease (Neurodegenerative disorder causing memory loss and cognitive decline)
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (Neurodegenerative condition associated with repeated head injuries)
Corticobasal degeneration (Progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and cognition)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (Rare degenerative brain disorder)
Frontotemporal dementia (Neurodegenerative disease affecting personality, behavior, and language)
Progressive supranuclear palsy (Neurodegenerative disorder affecting movement and balance)
Traumatic brain injury
Key Reasons For Testing
Early Alzheimer's Disease Detection: Identifies elevated p-tau181 levels in cerebrospinal fluid or blood, aiding early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
Disease Progression Monitoring: Tracks Alzheimer's disease severity and advancement over time.
Differentiation of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Distinguishes Alzheimer's disease from other conditions like frontotemporal dementia.
Risk Assessment in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evaluates the likelihood of progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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