Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Factors
I’m a 58-year-old individual with a smoking habit but I rarely consume alcohol and do not use illicit drugs. My height is 5’10”, and I weigh 135 pounds. I have a significant medical background that primarily includes an array of autoimmune disorders such as psoriatic arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic Lyme disease, mastocytosis, neuropathy (specific type not recalled), tachycardia, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Over the years, I have undergone several joint replacements and two surgeries on my spine due to arthritis-related issues. Currently, my medications consist of Rinvoq, Celebrex, levothyroxine, liothyronine, atenolol, methocarbamol, acyclovir, and lansoprazole. There is also a notable family history of Alzheimer’s and dementia in my lineage. My father experienced dementia, although I’m unsure if he ever received a formal diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. His mother succumbed to the disease. Recently, I participated in a research trial where various lab tests were conducted, including assessments of lipids, kidney and liver functionality, CRP levels, and the novel Alzheimer’s biomarker test pTau 217. The established normal range for pTau 217 is between 0.00 and 0.18, but my result came back at 1.21, which was indicated to me as significantly elevated. I have a scheduled appointment with a neurologist in about six weeks, and I find myself quite anxious about the implications of this finding. The prospect of early-onset Alzheimer’s is indeed daunting. Additionally, my lipid panel showed abnormalities, my CRP levels were elevated, and my kidney function was just slightly below the normal range. How reliable is the pTau 217 test in forecasting the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease?
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 7:01:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
The pTau 217 test is an emerging biomarker used in the assessment of Alzheimer’s disease, and having an elevated level, such as yours at 1.21, does indicate a higher likelihood of Alzheimer's pathology; however, it is not definitive on its own for diagnosing the disease. Let’s break this down further to provide clarity and actionable steps moving forward.
Key Points:
- pTau 217 Test Significance: The pTau 217 test measures a protein associated with neurodegeneration. Elevated levels often correlate with the presence of Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain.
- Family History & Other Risk Factors: Your family history of dementia and personal autoimmune conditions may contribute to your overall risk profile.
- Current Health Concerns: Elevated CRP, abnormal lipids, and kidney function likely indicate underlying health issues that should be managed proactively.
Explanation:
Although your pTau 217 result is elevated, it doesn’t guarantee that Alzheimer’s will develop. Research is ongoing, and while elevated pTau levels are a red flag, they should be interpreted with other clinical insights, symptoms, and diagnostic tests. Your neurologist will help contextualize these results during your upcoming appointment.
Actionable Next Steps:
-
Prepare for the Neurologist Appointment: Make a list of questions and concerns you want to address about your elevated pTau levels, family history, and any symptoms you're experiencing. Knowing these ahead of time can reduce anxiety.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any cognitive or psychological changes (e.g., memory issues, confusion, mood changes) and note when they occur. This information can help your neurologist in assessing your condition.
-
Lifestyle Changes: Consider reducing your smoking as it can impact overall health and potentially exacerbate risks related to cognitive decline. Seek support if you need help quitting.
-
Overall Health Management: Discuss your lipid levels and kidney function with your primary care provider, focusing on adjustments in diet or medications that may help improve these markers.
-
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. Understanding the disease can help you feel more empowered and prepared for discussions with your healthcare team.
-
Mental Health Support: Given your anxiety regarding this situation, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist. Coping with uncertainty about health can be challenging, and having support can be beneficial.
Remember, staying proactive and engaged in your health management is key. You’re taking positive steps by being informed and reaching out for help, and your upcoming appointment can provide more personalized guidance.
Related Questions
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods