Memory loss isn’t always Alzheimer’s: Experts warn of little-known dementia

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a cognitive disorder that is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s disease due to its similar symptoms. With an estimated 6.7 million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, it’s crucial to differentiate between the two conditions for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

According to a recent report published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, developing objective criteria for diagnosing and staging all types of dementia, including LATE, is essential. LATE is characterized by changes in the TDP-43 protein in brain tissue, often co-existing with Alzheimer’s disease changes like beta amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

Lead author David Wolk, a professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania, explains that LATE tends to progress more slowly than Alzheimer’s. It commonly occurs alongside Alzheimer’s disease in about one-third of patients and can accelerate the course of the disease. Despite its prevalence, many clinicians and patients are unfamiliar with LATE, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and diagnostic tools.

The newly proposed criteria aim to help clinicians differentiate LATE from Alzheimer’s, providing more precise diagnoses and treatment strategies. While there are diagnostic tests available for Alzheimer’s, no definitive test exists for LATE. The criteria offer levels of likelihood for diagnosis but require validation in practice.

Looking ahead, advancements in biological markers are expected to aid in distinguishing various types of dementia. Until then, the clinical criteria outlined in the report can support personalized medicine approaches to treatment, care, and research. These recommendations not only provide a roadmap for further research but also highlight the challenges in accurately diagnosing individuals with LATE.

As we strive to improve the understanding and management of cognitive disorders like LATE, raising awareness and implementing reliable diagnostic criteria are crucial steps in enhancing patient care and outcomes. For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.