'I'm a health expert - be warned of a common but little known dementia that isn't Alzheimer’s'

A recent report in Alzheimer's & Dementia : The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association calls for "objective criteria" to diagnose all dementia types , including the newly recognized LATE. Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a type of dementia that, while causing memory and thinking issues like Alzheimer’s , stems from different causes. LATE, which becomes more common in later life, plays a significant role in memory loss and cognitive decline , says Rebecca M.

Edelmayer, Ph.D., Alzheimer’s Association vice president of scientific engagement.



"LATE is defined by changes in the TDP-43 protein in brain tissue and frequently co-exists with Alzheimer’s disease changes, such as buildup of beta amyloid plaques and tau tangles," Edelmayer explained to Fox News Digital . Alzheimer's disease often comes to mind with memory problems, but LATE is a distinct condition with unique features. It's not uncommon for individuals to exhibit signs of both LATE and Alzheimer's.

According to Edelmayer, the proposed criteria are designed to help doctors distinguish LATE from Alzheimer’s, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better treatments. Dementia results from alterations in specific brain areas that disrupt neurons and their connections, leading to impaired function. Researchers have linked changes in the brain to certain forms of dementia.

For instance, the characteristic brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s are the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles, according to the Mayo Clinic. Scientists identified LATE based on autopsy studies that revealed abnormal protein clusters called TDP-43. TDP-43 is involved in other brain disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

It displays a different pattern of brain changes and tends to affect people over the age of 80. Individuals with LATE experience memory issues but often have a slower rate of clinical change than those with Alzheimer's disease. They may notice that over time it becomes more challenging to remember facts, conversations, and events.

People with LATE may frequently repeat themselves, be forgetful, and struggle to find the right words during conversations. They may also have difficulty understanding words. The symptoms of LATE are similar to those of Alzheimer’s, including: Memory problems.

Difficulty thinking and making decisions. Trouble finding the right words. Wandering or getting lost.

Currently, LATE cannot be diagnosed in living individuals. It can only be diagnosed post-mortem through an autopsy. If you are worried about memory problems or other symptoms of dementia, consult with a doctor.

You may be referred to a neurologist, a specialist in brain and nervous system disorders. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter..