LATE-Type Dementia
LATE-Type Dementia
What is LATE type dementia?
Limbic-Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE) is a recently characterized type of dementia similar to other types of dementia in that it impairs memory and thinking. However, the causes and the overall rate of progression in LATE make it distinct from other conditions.
LATE occurs across a set of brain structures known as the limbic regions, considered to be one of the oldest parts of the nervous system. The limbic brain regulates emotions, behaviors, motivations, and certain aspects of memory.
LATE typically affects people over the age of 80, and involves the abnormal buildup of a protein called TDP-43 within the limbic regions, rather than the typical amyloid plaques and tau tangles that are found in Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the causes of LATE?
TDP-43 is an essential protein required for brain cells (neurons) to function. In LATE, the buildup of TDP-43 interferes with its normal activity, directly affecting the function of neurons in the limbic regions of the brain. This, in turn, results in the gradual loss of memory—in particular the ability to form new memories—characteristic of LATE.
Because LATE was only recently recognized, we do not yet truly understand just how common this condition is. Nevertheless, in large studies of people over the age of 80, ~40% were found to have TDP-43 deposits, and 25% of those had experienced problems with their memory. As described below, because LATE can only be diagnosed on autopsy, it may be that LATE is much more common than we know.
What are the symptoms of LATE?
Like Alzheimer’s disease, LATE manifests itself in problems with memory, difficulty thinking and making decisions, trouble finding the right words, and wandering or getting lost.
Other symptoms can include:
- Problems forming new memories
- Difficulty thinking and making decisions
- Trouble finding the right words
- Wandering or getting lost
How is LATE diagnosed?
Currently, there is no way to diagnose LATE in living people. It can only be diagnosed after death through autopsy. Although not truly diagnostic, neuropsychological testing can be helpful in identifying patterns of cognitive decline that are associated with LATE. In addition, MRI and PET scans can be used to eliminate other causes of dementia. If you are concerned about your memory or are experiencing other symptoms of dementia, please speak with your doctor.
Research
Research focused on the investigation of causes, risk factors, and diagnostic procedures for LATE and other types of dementia continues to rely on volunteers who participate in clinical studies as well as those who donate their brains after death.
If you might want to learn more about brain donation and our brain donation program, please contact Matthew Perkins, the Michigan Brain Bank Coordinator, at [email protected] or 734-647-7648.
Current research is focused on determining blood or imaging tests that are capable of
distinguishing LATE from other causes of dementia. Other investigators are looking into what makes the limbic regions so vulnerable to TDP-43 deposits, and why other regions of the brain are more resistant. All of these studies have the potential to not just help us recognize LATE sooner and with more confidence, but also to halt the condition with new medications and
therapeutic strategies.
More information about LATE type dementia can be found at:
- The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or by calling (800) 272-3900
- The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers or email [email protected], or calling (800)-438-4380
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