Dementia is a group of diseases that affects brain function and leads to a decline in mental functioning such as memory loss, personality changes, and impaired reasoning.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting about 5.7 million people in the United States alone. However, a recently discovered form of dementia has been found to mimic Alzheimer’s disease, making it difficult to diagnose and treat.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common type of dementia and gets worse over time.

Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles, which cause the death of brain cells and subsequent brain shrinkage. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

What is the Recently Discovered Form of Dementia?

The recently discovered form of dementia is known as LATE (limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy).

LATE is believed to be caused by the accumulation of a protein called TDP-43 in the brain, which causes damage to the brain cells that control memory, language, and decision-making. LATE is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 80 and is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease because the symptoms are very similar.

However, LATE affects a different part of the brain than Alzheimer’s disease, leading to different symptoms and progression.

How is LATE Diagnosed?

Diagnosing LATE can be difficult because the symptoms are similar to Alzheimer’s disease. However, LATE is usually diagnosed post-mortem, after a brain autopsy has been performed.

During the autopsy, the presence of the TDP-43 protein in the brain can be detected. There are currently no diagnostic tests for LATE, but researchers are working to develop a blood test that can detect the protein in living patients.

How is LATE Different from Alzheimer’s Disease?

LATE affects a different part of the brain than Alzheimer’s disease.

LATE primarily affects the hippocampus and the amygdala, which are involved in memory and emotion, while Alzheimer’s disease primarily affects the cortex, which controls thinking, language, and perception. Additionally, LATE tends to progress more slowly than Alzheimer’s disease and may not show symptoms until later in life.

What are the Symptoms of LATE?

The symptoms of LATE are similar to Alzheimer’s disease, including memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with everyday tasks. However, LATE may also cause changes in personality and behavior, such as agitation or mood swings.

LATE may progress slower than Alzheimer’s disease, but it can still lead to severe cognitive impairment and functional decline.

What are the Treatment Options for LATE?

Currently, there are no treatments specifically designed for LATE, as it is a newly discovered form of dementia.

However, treatments used for Alzheimer’s disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, may be effective in treating some of the symptoms of LATE. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, may help slow the progression of cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.

Conclusion

LATE is a newly discovered form of dementia that mimics Alzheimer’s disease, but affects a different part of the brain and progresses more slowly. It can be difficult to diagnose and there are currently no specific treatments for LATE.

As research continues, we may be able to develop diagnostic tests and treatments specifically for LATE. In the meantime, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help slow the progression of cognitive decline and improve overall brain health.