Overview
These tests rarely explain dementia on their own, but they identify contributors worth correcting.
Typical tests
- Thyroid function
- Vitamin B12
- Complete blood count and metabolic panel
- Liver and kidney function
- Sometimes syphilis, HIV, or inflammatory markers when indicated
Why it matters
Correcting a deficiency or metabolic problem can improve function measurably, even when a degenerative dementia is also present.
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.