A Caregiver’s Step-by-Step Guide to Alzheimer’s Screening

When you first notice small memory changes in someone you love, it can be hard to know where to begin. Alzheimer’s screening helps turn uncertainty into understanding — offering families clear insight and a way forward with confidence.

Today, caregivers have more options than ever to identify early signs of change. While traditional screening methods are still standard, the Neurogen memory health ecosystem was designed to make this process easier, faster, and more supportive.

Both approaches share the same goal — giving families the tools to act early and protect long-term brain health — but one stands out in terms of convenience and timely results.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Screening and Why It Matters

We believe Alzheimer’s screening should empower families, not overwhelm them. It’s an opportunity to take control of memory health early and make proactive decisions with confidence.

When you understand what’s happening, you can plan ahead, find the proper support, and approach care from a place of knowledge, not uncertainty.

At its core, screening is about connection. It’s about you, your loved one, and a healthcare partner who helps you interpret the signs and make sense of the science.

Traditionally, Alzheimer’s screening has followed a multi-step medical process that can feel time-consuming or fragmented. We’re here to simplify the process by providing families with clear answers and trusted next steps in one convenient place.

With new advances like plasma-based biomarker testing, caregivers can now access accurate, science-backed results in a way that’s faster, simpler, and centered around your family’s needs.

What a Traditional Alzheimer’s Screening Looks Like

If you’ve ever tried to help a loved one get tested for memory changes, you know the process can take time. It usually begins with a visit to a primary care provider, followed by several layers of testing and referrals.

Step 1: Primary Care and Initial Evaluation

Most Alzheimer’s screenings start in a doctor’s office. You share the changes you’ve noticed with their memory, and the physician may perform a short assessment, such as the Mini-Cog.

During this stage, doctors look for patterns or signs that memory issues may be more than normal aging. They may also review medications or other health factors that could influence memory.

It’s a valuable first step, but often just the beginning of a longer journey.

Step 2: Cognitive Testing and Neurology Referral

If early signs appear, your loved one is typically referred to a neurologist for deeper evaluation. Common tools include:

• MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam)
• MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment)
• AD8 (Eight-Question Dementia Interview)

These assessments measure memory, focus, and reasoning skills to help specialists understand the complete picture.

At this point, caregivers like you often provide context about day-to-day changes, which allows doctors to interpret results more accurately.

Step 3: Imaging or Spinal Tap for Confirmation

Specialists may then recommend additional tests like PET scans or spinal taps to look for Alzheimer’s-related proteins in the brain or spinal fluid.

While these tools are valuable, they can also be expensive and complicated to access. Many families face challenges such as:

• Limited availability of testing centers
• Long wait times
• Insurance or cost barriers
• The stress of coordinating multiple appointments

Step 4: Waiting on Results and Limited Follow-Up

After all this, results can take weeks or months to be ready, and follow-up support can be minimal. Families are left with new information but little guidance about what to do next.

We saw this gap and built a better solution designed around accessibility, simplicity, and ongoing support.

How We’re Changing Alzheimer’s Screening at Neurogen

At Neurogen, we’ve reimagined Alzheimer’s screening from the ground up. Our process combines scientific accuracy with compassionate care, so families can get answers without the stress of navigating traditional systems.

Everything happens from the comfort of home, supported by board-certified neurologists every step of the way.

Step 1: Simple At-Home Blood Test

We start with a quick, non-invasive blood test that looks for p-tau217, one of the strongest plasma-based biomarkers of Alzheimer’s-related changes.

A trained professional will visit your home for collection, and no clinic visit is needed.

This single step brings advanced science directly to you. It’s convenient, comfortable, and ideal for families who want early insights without the challenges of hospital testing.

Benefits of at-home testing include:

• At-home comfort and convenience
• Non-invasive and stress-free
• Scientifically validated biomarkers
• Early insight into brain changes

Step 2: Cognitive Testing with Digital Tools

Next, we use digital cognitive assessments in partnership with Linus Health to evaluate focus, memory, and problem-solving skills.

These quick, engaging tests help us see how your loved one’s brain is performing today — and track changes over time.

Our goal is to give you measurable, easy-to-understand results that make sense in the real world. When blood data and cognitive results come together, we get a comprehensive picture of brain health.

Step 3: Virtual Neurology Consultation

Once your results are ready, you meet virtually with one of our board-certified neurologists.

They review everything in plain, supportive language — explaining what the results mean, what to watch for, and what steps to take next.

We believe you deserve to understand every detail, so our neurologists are here to guide you through the science in a way that feels personal and reassuring.

This consultation transforms data into direction, giving families clarity and confidence about the road ahead.

Step 4: Ongoing Care and Memory Health Tracking

Our care doesn’t stop after the first test. We continue to support you with check-ins, tracking tools, and easy access to your neurologist whenever questions arise.

This continuity of care ensures your family stays informed and supported throughout your memory health journey.

Ongoing benefits of the Neurogen ecosystem include:

• Continued access to neurologists for personalized care
• Early intervention recommendations
• Secure data tracking for long-term insight
• Confidence knowing we’re with you every step of the way

Why This Matters for Caregivers

We know caregivers want to do what’s best for the people they love. And early screening gives you time — time to plan, make informed decisions, and find peace of mind.

Our mission is to make that process transparent and achievable.

By connecting you directly with neurologists and simplifying the science, we remove the uncertainty from memory health care and replace it with confidence and understanding.

Take the Next Step Toward Early Detection

If you’re ready to help your loved one take the next step toward clarity, we’re here to help.

Our at-home Alzheimer’s screening combines accuracy, accessibility, and expert care to help your family act with confidence.