The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: Amino Acid Analysis LCMS Plasma
Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)
NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.
Also known as: Celiac Panel
Also known as: Cortisol Total, Hydrocortisone, Total Cortisol
Also known as: Estrogen Total Serum
Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular
Also known as: Iron and TIBC, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC, TIBC
Also known as: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids
Also known as: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free
Also known as: Free T4, FT4, T4 Free
Also known as: Testosterone Free Dialysis and Total LCMSMS
Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyrotropin
Also known as: Cobalamin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B 12 and Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Cobalamin and Folate Panel Serum, Vitamin B12/Folic Acid
Also known as: Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid
Also known as: Alpha-Tocopherol, Vitamin E Tocopherol
Also known as: ZN, Plasma
The Cognitive Health Lab Panel panel contains 21 tests with 114 biomarkers.
Boosting Your Brain: Essential Lab Tests for Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Navigating the complexities of mental health can often feel like traversing an invisible labyrinth where the connections between mind and body are intricate and deeply intertwined.
The Cognitive Health Lab Panel: Boosting Your Brain is your compass through this labyrinth, offering a detailed exploration of your body's internal chemistry and how it may be influencing your mental health and cognitive function. With an array of sophisticated lab tests, this panel decodes the subtle signals of your body's nutrient levels, hormone balances, and biochemical markers, unveiling insights that could be pivotal for enhancing brain function and overall well-being.
From mood regulation to memory and focus, these tests are crucial in identifying the unseen deficiencies or surpluses that may be impacting your mental clarity and cognitive health, guiding targeted interventions to help you achieve optimal brain function.
Amino Acid Analysis, LC/MS, Plasma: Amino acids are fundamental to brain health, serving as precursors to neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood, alertness, and concentration. An imbalance in amino acids can lead to disruptions in these neurotransmitter systems, potentially resulting in conditions such as depression, anxiety, or attention deficits. By measuring the plasma levels of various amino acids, this analysis can pinpoint specific imbalances, allowing for dietary adjustments or supplements that can help restore optimal neurotransmitter function and cognitive balance.
CBC (includes Differential and Platelets): The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a critical indicator of general health, revealing conditions such as anemia. Since the brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to function effectively, anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive sluggishness. By ensuring that red blood cells are within the normal range, one can potentially mitigate these cognitive symptoms and maintain brain vitality.
Celiac Disease Comprehensive Panel: Undiagnosed celiac disease can lead to systemic inflammation and malabsorption of essential nutrients, which are crucial for cognitive function. Gluten sensitivity can also lead to neurological symptoms like brain fog, confusion, and forgetfulness. Identifying celiac disease and initiating a gluten-free diet can drastically improve nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation, leading to clearer cognitive functioning and better mental health outcomes.
Copper: Copper plays a dual role in cognitive health. It's involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which carry thoughts and feelings across the brain, and myelination, which speeds up electrical impulses between neurons. However, copper must be carefully balanced, as both surplus and deficiency can lead to neurological symptoms, including cognitive decline. This test helps in maintaining the delicate balance required for optimal brain function.
Cortisol, Total: Elevated cortisol from chronic stress can lead to neurodegeneration over time, impacting areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning, such as the hippocampus. Monitoring cortisol levels can lead to early identification of stress-related cognitive impairment, prompting stress management strategies that may include lifestyle changes, counseling, or medical interventions to protect the brain from the deleterious effects of chronic stress.
Estrogen, Total, Serum: Estrogen's influence extends beyond reproductive functions; it also has significant neuroprotective properties and is involved in cognitive processes such as learning and memory. Disruptions in estrogen levels can contribute to mood swings and cognitive deficits, particularly during menopause. Hormonal assessments help to identify imbalances, offering a pathway to hormone therapy or other interventions that can alleviate cognitive and mood-related issues.
Homocysteine: Elevated homocysteine levels have been implicated in brain atrophy and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. It can also lead to vascular damage, compromising blood flow to the brain and resulting in cognitive difficulties. Interventions often involve increasing intake of B vitamins, which can normalize homocysteine levels and potentially safeguard against cognitive decline.
Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Iron is essential for cognitive development and functioning. It's a component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the brain, and is also involved in the synthesis of myelin and neurotransmitters. Iron deficiency can result in reduced cognitive abilities and attention issues. TIBC helps to evaluate the body’s capacity to transport iron, ensuring that the brain receives adequate oxygen and nutrients for optimal performance.
Lipid Panel: The brain is rich in lipids, which are essential for forming cell membranes and facilitating the communication between brain cells. Imbalances in lipids, such as high cholesterol, can affect this communication and are associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Monitoring lipid levels is important for maintaining the structural integrity of neurons and supporting cognitive functions.
Magnesium: This mineral is crucial for maintaining the health of neurons and regulating neurotransmitter release. It has a calming effect on the brain, which is important for preventing over-excitation that can lead to neuronal damage. Adequate magnesium levels are associated with a lower risk of depression, and magnesium supplementation has been shown to improve attention, memory, and mental clarity in deficient individuals.
Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids, Plasma: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, are integral components of brain cell membranes and are involved in neuronal growth and repair. They have anti-inflammatory effects that are crucial for maintaining cognitive health. Omega-6 fatty acids, while also important, need to be in balance with omega-3s, as excessive omega-6 levels can lead to inflammation. Testing for these fatty acids can help optimize their ratio, promoting better mood regulation and cognitive function.
QuestAssureD™ 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (D2, D3), LC/MS/MS: Vitamin D has neuroprotective properties and is involved in brain development and function. Deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and mood disorders. Monitoring vitamin D levels can inform supplementation strategies to support brain health.