Micronutrient Testing for Alzheimer’s: What Caregivers Must Know

When we first embarked on the journey of Alzheimer’s testing, I was under the impression that we were seeking a straightforward yes or no answer. The more I learned, the more I understood: there’s no single test that confirms Alzheimer’s. Doctors consider a combination of results to rule out possibilities and gain a clearer picture. Our breakdown of the Alzheimer’s testing process includes the common micronutrients that doctors typically check early on, and they’re worth monitoring over time.

That got me thinking.
If other factors can cause memory loss and confusion, why not ensure that these issues don’t get overlooked or resurface later, after a diagnosis?

One of the easiest places to start? Micronutrient deficiencies.

They’re common in older adults. They can look a lot like Alzheimer’s. And they’re fixable—for the price of a bottle of supplements.
Once we understood that, we started asking our mom’s doctor to check her levels every year.

That’s the key—we have to ask.

Micronutrient testing isn’t a standard part of Alzheimer’s care. Your neurologist or primary care physician might not suggest it, but if you bring it up, they should be willing to request the labs.

This one simple step has made a noticeable difference for our mom—and for us as caregivers.

Caregiver Tip: Don’t Wait to Be Offered This

Ask your doctor to test for:

Vitamin B12

Vitamin D

Vitamin B6

Vitamin E

Even borderline deficiencies can cause cognitive symptoms. Catching and correcting them early can help your loved one feel more like themselves—and help you avoid unnecessary worry or confusion.

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The Supplements Our Mom Takes

To maintain her levels within the optimal range, we supplement her diet based on her annual lab results. Here’s what she takes daily, with input from her care team:

1. DHA

A brain-loving omega-3 that helps with memory, attention, and cell communication.

2. Prenatal Multivitamin

We use Prenatal Plus, and yes—it’s technically formulated for pregnancy. However, it turns out to be an excellent fit for Alzheimer’s care as well. Here’s why:

Prenatal vitamins are formulated to support fast-growing brains and nervous systems, so they’re packed with bioavailable nutrients that are easy to absorb.
Many older adults experience difficulty absorbing nutrients due to changes in their digestive system or interactions with certain medications. Prenatal Plus includes methylated B12 and folate, which are better absorbed and more effective at supporting memory, energy, and mood.
It also contains Vitamin D3 and K2, which work together to move calcium out of the blood and into the bones, protecting both brain and heart health.
With a full range of B vitamins, Vitamin E, and essential minerals such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and selenium, it provides most of the key nutrients associated with cognitive support.

3. Probiotic

A healthy gut supports a healthy brain. We’ve seen improvements in mood and digestion since adding it.

4. Turmeric (Curcumin with Black Pepper)

For inflammation. We notice our mom is more alert and flexible on days she takes it.

5. CoQ10

Supports cellular energy, especially important if your loved one is on statins or managing cholesterol.

The Difference It Makes

It’s not a cure. But keeping nutrient levels optimized has helped our mom stay more present, engaged, and emotionally steady. And when she’s doing better, caregiving feels more manageable.

On good days, she jokes more.
She remembers the names of the neighbor’s kids.
She hums along to music.

We don’t credit that entirely to supplements, but we do believe they’re part of what’s keeping her steady.

And for us, that steady means everything.

We’ve worked hard to keep our mom independent. Micronutrient testing is one of the ways we fight for that—quietly, steadily, year after year.

Know Someone Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s?

Share this post with them.
Micronutrient testing isn’t flashy, but it might be one of the easiest ways to reduce confusion, lift their mood, and make life a little lighter for them and their loved ones.