A lesser-known brain disorder called Limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is raising concerns among researchers due to its ability to mimic symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This condition, characterized by progressive episodic memory loss, can accelerate the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms when present alongside it. Researchers emphasize the need for objective criteria to diagnose and differentiate LATE from Alzheimer's, enabling accurate identification and tailored treatment approaches.
Researchers are raising concerns about a lesser-known brain disorder that causes memory and thinking problems. This condition, known as Limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), was identified in 2019. LATE is a distinct disease that can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. While it typically causes a gradual decline in memory on its own, when present alongside Alzheimer's, it has been observed to accelerate the progression of symptoms.
Researchers emphasize the urgent need for 'objective criteria' to diagnose and determine the stage of all types of dementia, including LATE. They stress the importance of developing specific criteria to differentiate between LATE and Alzheimer's. This would enable the identification of patients with memory loss who do not have Alzheimer's and help refine treatment approaches.Beyond memory loss, Alzheimer's disease can impact various aspects of daily life, leading to behavioral changes such as wandering or aggression. In a study report, researchers propose preliminary guidelines for diagnosing LATE in more detail, specifically when it is the primary cause of memory loss and cognitive decline or when it coexists with Alzheimer's disease. These guidelines characterize LATE as involving progressive episodic memory loss, similar to Alzheimer's, but with distinct features. Memory loss in LATE is characterized by difficulty recalling information after a delay, even with cues, while immediate memory remains relatively intact. This differs from memory issues related to poor attention, where both immediate and delayed recall are affected, but recognition memory is preserved. Furthermore, memory loss in LATE tends to progress more slowly, with the symptom dominating for at least two years before other cognitive issues emerge. Patients with LATE may also exhibit mild deficits in semantic memory, such as difficulty naming categories or recalling famous events. LATE appears to affect individuals over the age of 80, progresses slower than Alzheimer's disease, and primarily impacts memory. To diagnose 'probable' or 'possible LATE', researchers recommend using imaging techniques to identify hippocampal atrophy, a reduction in the size of the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for learning and memory. In cases of LATE, this atrophy is more pronounced than in cases of Alzheimer's at a similar stage of memory impairment. If hippocampal atrophy is present but lacks additional supporting features, researchers suggest it could be 'possible' LATE. Since there are no specific biomarkers for LATE, 'probable LATE' is diagnosed by ruling out Alzheimer's using biomarkers such as amyloid PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid tests.
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