FAQs
BAT Levels

What are BAT LEVELS™?
BAT LEVELS™ are a simple blood measurement that shows how much beta-amyloid and tau protein has built up in your body, two key biomarkers linked to long-term brain health. Tracking your BAT LEVELS™ can reveal early signs of biological drift, often years before symptoms appear. Learn more in the BAT LEVELS™ glossary.

What does BAT stand for in BAT LEVELS™?
“BAT” stands for Beta-Amyloid and Tau, the two most important proteins associated with brain health changes and Alzheimer’s risk. BAT LEVELS™ track these proteins in your blood to help spot changes early. See our BAT LEVELS™ glossary for details.

How are BAT LEVELS™ measured?
BAT LEVELS™ are measured with a simple blood test that analyzes the concentration of beta-amyloid and tau proteins. These tests are performed in certified labs and are part of the BATWATCH™ Protocol. Read more about our evidence-backed testing process.

Why do BAT LEVELS™matter for brain health?
BAT LEVELS™ matter because they give you an early warning signal if your brain’s biological systems are drifting off course. By monitoring BAT LEVELS™, you can take action before problems develop, making it a powerful tool for prevention, not just diagnosis. Find out why we call BAT LEVELS™ the brain’s check engine light in our glossary.

Are BAT LEVELS™ the same as Alzheimer’s risk?
No, BAT LEVELS™ are not the same as an Alzheimer’s diagnosis or risk score. They show early biological accumulation that can increase your risk over time, but having high BAT LEVELS™ does not mean you have Alzheimer’s. They’re a signal to take action, not a diagnosis. Read more about risk and early detection.

Do BAT LEVELS™ mean I have Alzheimer’s?
No, having elevated BAT LEVELS™ does not mean you have Alzheimer’s. BAT LEVELS™ show early biological drift, not a diagnosis. They are a signal that your brain’s cleanup systems may be falling behind, but only a full clinical evaluation can diagnose Alzheimer’s. Learn more about BAT LEVELS™ in our glossary.

Do BAT LEVELS™ mean I will get Alzheimer’s?
No, high BAT LEVELS™ increase your risk but do not guarantee you’ll develop Alzheimer’s. They show you where your biology is trending, so you can take action early. Many factors, like genetics, lifestyle, and interventions, affect what happens next. Read about risk, prevention, and evidence here.

How often should you check BAT LEVELS™?
Most people benefit from checking their BAT LEVELS™ every 12 months as part of annual brain health screening. If you have elevated risk or changes in your BAT SCORE™, your provider may recommend more frequent testing. See BATWATCH™ Protocol guidelines in our glossary.

Who discovered BAT LEVELS™?
BAT LEVELS™ as a structured concept were pioneered by the BATWATCH™ team, building on decades of biomarker research from the global neuroscience community. We created the “BAT” terminology to make early detection accessible, practical, and empowering for everyone. Learn about BAT LEVELS™ and our living database.

When were BAT LEVELS™ first identified?
The science behind BAT LEVELS™, measuring beta-amyloid and tau in the blood, has been developing for decades, with breakthroughs in the 2010s and 2020s. BATWATCH™ brought these discoveries together into a single, patient-friendly protocol and terminology system. See our Testing Evidence Matrix for timeline and research milestones.

Why are they called BAT LEVELS™?
They’re called BAT LEVELS™ because they track the levels of Beta-Amyloid and Tau proteins in your blood. These two biomarkers are critical in measuring early brain changes linked to long-term brain health. Learn more about the “BAT” terminology in our glossary.

What is the origin of the BAT LEVELS™ name?
The name BAT LEVELS™ comes from the first letters of Beta-Amyloid (B), Amyloid (A), and Tau (T), the two proteins that serve as biological warning lights for brain drift. BATWATCH™ coined this term to simplify brain biomarker screening and make prevention accessible. Read the story behind BAT LEVELS™.

How do I test for BAT LEVELS™?
You test for BAT LEVELS™ through a simple blood draw at a participating lab. The test measures your beta-amyloid and tau protein levels, no brain scans or spinal taps required. Your results are then tracked using the BATWATCH™ protocol. See more on BAT TESTING™ and evidence.

Is a BAT TEST™ the same as BAT LEVELS™?
Not exactly. The BAT TEST™ is the tool, the actual blood test you take. BAT LEVELS™ are the results, the measured amounts of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in your blood. The test gives you your levels, which are then tracked over time. See BAT TEST™ and BAT LEVELS™ explained in our glossary.

Can anyone get their BAT LEVELS™ tested?
Yes, most adults can get their BAT LEVELS™ tested. Testing is generally recommended for adults over 40 who want to track brain health or anyone over 30 with a family history or other risk factors. Learn more about BAT TESTING™ eligibility in our glossary.

What is BAT LEVELS™ Awareness Month?
BAT LEVELS™ Awareness Month is our annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of early brain health screening and empower people to get their BAT CHECK™. Each November, our BAT LABS™ partners and global community come together for events, education, and special offers to help more people get tested. 

What do my BAT LEVELS™ mean?
Your BAT LEVELS™ show how much beta-amyloid and tau have built up in your system, early warning signals that your brain’s cleanup systems might be falling behind. Think of them like your brain’s “check engine light”, the higher your BAT SCORE™, the more attention your brain health may need. For more on BAT LEVELS™ and what they measure, see BAT LEVELS™ and BAT SCORE™.

Are my BAT LEVELS™ normal?
Most people’s BBAT LEVELS™ fall within a certain range. “Normal” can mean different things based on your age, genetics, and health habits. If your BAT SCORE™ is in the average range, you’re in a good spot to track your results and stay ahead of biological drift. For specifics on ranges and what’s considered “average,” visit BAT SCORE™ and BAT LEVEL INDEX™.

Are my BAT LEVELS™ bad?
High BAT LEVELS™ don’t mean you’re sick or diagnosed with anything. They’re a signal, like a yellow warning light, that your brain’s maintenance systems may be drifting off course. The sooner you catch it, the more you can do to take action and improve your results.

What is considered high BAT LEVELS™?
“High” BAT LEVELS™ are those that fall above the typical range for your age and risk group on the BAT LEVEL INDEX™. A high BAT SCORE™ means your biomarkers show more accumulation than average, suggesting your brain’s cleanup system needs support. Every person is different, so review your results with your clinician or through your BATWATCH™ dashboard for context. 

Can BAT LEVELS™ predict future brain health?
BAT LEVELS™ don’t predict a specific diagnosis, but they do give you a head start by showing early biological drift before symptoms appear. This helps you catch changes early, track your progress, and take action to support long-term brain health. 

Do BAT LEVELS™ change over time?
Yes, BAT LEVELS™ are dynamic, they can rise or fall based on your biology, lifestyle, and interventions. Regular BAT TESTING™ helps you track these shifts and catch any early signs of biological drift.

What factors can affect BAT LEVELS™?
BAT LEVELS™ are influenced by age, genetics (like the APOE4 variant), lifestyle choices (smoking, alcohol, inactivity), metabolic health, sleep, inflammation, and more. Chronic stress, poor diet, and certain medical conditions can also drive levels higher. 

Can you lower your BAT LEVELS™?
Yes. While everyone’s biology is different, evidence shows that lifestyle changes, managing inflammation, supporting metabolic health, and, if eligible, using the BAT PILL™ Protocol can help reduce BAT LEVELS™ over short treatment cycle. For more strategies, see How can I improve my BAT SCORE™?.

What lifestyle changes affect BAT LEVELS™?
Healthy habits can make a big difference. Regular exercise, quality sleep, a brain-friendly diet, managing stress, and staying socially connected are all shown to help support BAT LEVELS™. 

Are there treatments to reduce BAT LEVELS™?
Yes. The main intervention is the BAT PILL™ Protocol, which promotes autophagy, the brain’s cellular cleanup process. Your provider may also recommend tailored lifestyle and prevention strategies based on your Factor Check results. 

How can I improve my BAT SCORE™?
Improving your BAT SCORE™ starts with understanding your personal risk factors, tracking your levels regularly, and making targeted lifestyle and treatment choices. Work with your clinician or BATWATCH™ team to find the best plan for you. 

Does diet impact BAT LEVELS™?
Absolutely. Diet is a major factor in biological drift and brain health. Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats may increase BAT LEVELS™, while a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins, may help support lower levels. 

What is the BAT Pill Protocol for BAT LEVELS™?
The BAT PILL™ Protocol is a structured, short-cycle treatment that uses advanced science to activate autophagy, your body’s cellular cleanup system, to help clear excess BAT LEVELS™. It’s prescribed based on your BAT SCORE™ and is tailored to your unique risk profile. 

Are BAT LEVELS™ backed by scientific research?
Yes. BAT LEVELS™ are grounded in decades of peer-reviewed research on blood-based biomarkers, brain aging, and prevention. Our Testing Evidence Matrix details the studies and scientific evidence behind our approach.

What biomarkers are included in BAT LEVELS™?
BAT LEVELS™ refer to a specific set of blood-based biomarkers: Beta-Amyloid proteins (Aβ42/40) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau), along with optional metabolic and inflammatory markers as part of the Factor Check. Get the science at BAT LEVELS™ and BAT TEST™.

Is there a difference between BAT LEVELS™ and amyloid/tau testing?
BAT LEVELS™ are a branded framework that uses validated amyloid and tau blood tests, but combines them into a single, easy-to-understand score for tracking risk and guiding prevention, not just diagnosis. 

How are BAT LEVELS™ different from other brain health tests?
Most brain health tests focus on memory or cognitive function after symptoms start. BAT LEVELS™ are about catching drift early, years before symptoms, using biological signals. It’s proactive, not reactive. 

Are BAT LEVELS™ only for Alzheimer’s, or other conditions too?
BAT LEVELS™ are most strongly linked to risk factors for Alzheimer’s, but elevated levels can also be influenced by other neurological or metabolic conditions. The test is part of a prevention-first strategy for overall brain health.

Who should get BAT LEVELS™ tested?
Anyone interested in tracking their brain health, especially adults 30+ with risk factors like family history, chronic inflammation, metabolic issues, or lifestyle drift. Average Risk Profile and Elevated Risk Profile can help determine your best starting point.

What happens if my BAT LEVELS™ are high?
If your BAT LEVELS™ are elevated, you’re not alone, and it’s not a diagnosis. You’ll get a personalized follow-up plan that may include confirmatory testing, a Factor Check, and recommendations for prevention, lifestyle changes, or treatment if needed. 

What’s the difference between BAT LEVELS™ and BAT SCORE™?
BAT LEVELS™ measure the concentration of key biomarkers in your blood, while your BAT SCORE™ is a summary number calculated from your results, designed to make your brain health status easier to track and understand. 

How does the BAT LEVELS INDEX™ work?
The BAT LEVEL INDEX™ is an algorithm that takes your test results (biomarkers, risk factors, and more) and turns them into a clear, easy-to-understand score for tracking your brain health risk over time. Details at BAT LEVEL INDEX™ .

How are my BAT LEVELS™ calculated?
Your BAT LEVELS™ are calculated using lab-validated blood tests for Beta-Amyloid and Tau, then interpreted using the BAT LEVEL INDEX™ algorithm, which factors in multiple biomarkers and clinical context. 

Can BAT LEVELS™ be checked at home?
Currently, BAT LEVELS™ require a blood draw through a participating lab or mobile phlebotomy. At-home collection kits are not offered, to ensure accuracy and reliability. 

What does a change in BAT LEVELS™ mean?
A change in your BAT LEVELS™ can signal progress (lower risk) or increased biological drift (higher risk). That’s why repeat testing is key, so you and your care team can track trends and act early. 

How do BAT LEVELS™ relate to family history of Alzheimer’s?
If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, your risk profile may be higher and your BAT LEVELS™ could drift sooner. BATWATCH™ uses this info in risk stratification, but anyone, regardless of family history, can benefit from monitoring.

What is the connection between BAT LEVELS™ and biological drift?
BAT LEVELS™ are direct markers of biological drift, the slow, silent changes in brain biology that happen years before symptoms. Monitoring BAT LEVELS™lets you spot drift early and take action before bigger issues arise. 

How are BAT LEVELS™ different from regular blood tests?
BAT LEVELS™ focus specifically on brain biomarkers, Beta-Amyloid and Tau, unlike standard blood tests that look at cholesterol, glucose, or liver function. They offer a unique window into your brain’s health before symptoms appear.