Q. I’ve been hearing a lot about LATE dementia recently. What is this, and what do I need to know about it?
A. LATE dementia stands for Limbic-predominant Age-related TDP-43 Encephalopathy. According to The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging, nearly 40% of older adults experience brain damage caused by LATE dementia.
This is a staggering number of older adults, making it crucial to know about. Below, we’ll share more information so you can be aware of all the facts and essential details.
What is LATE dementia?
According to The National Institute on Aging, LATE dementia is a recently characterized form of dementia that may have been previously mistaken as Alzheimer’s disease.
Why does LATE dementia occur?
While it is similar to other brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, LATE dementia’s memory and thinking impairments have different underlying causes that make it stand out.
Researchers have found that abnormal clusters of TDP-43 proteinopathy, often found in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (frontotemporal dementia), are what cause this.
Who does LATE dementia affect?
According to the National Institute on Aging, certain patterns of misfolded TDP-43 are more common in older adults. In turn, this disease often affects those over the age of 80 years old.
LATE dementia is also more prominently occurring in people with previously diagnosed dementia.
What are the signs of LATE dementia, and when do you notice them?
The signs and symptoms of LATE dementia are similar to Alzheimer’s disease. These include:
- Issues with memory or memory loss
- Difficulties with learning
- Trouble making decisions
- Difficulty thinking
- Wandering or getting lost
- Problems finding the right words
How is LATE dementia diagnosed?
The National Institute on Aging states there is no way to diagnose this in living people. Currently, research is conducted after death through autopsy.
However, if seniors or family members are concerned about cognitive impairment, dementia symptoms, or disease progression, they should speak with their doctor.
Will it be diagnosable in the future, and what’s next?
The article shares that the NIA continues to research causes, risk factors, and opportunities to diagnose LATE dementia in living people. For now, researchers and scientists remain grateful for those donating their brains to science after death.
We’re Here To Help
At Bridges® by EPOCH, we offer specialized memory care for all forms of dementia. Call the community nearest you to start a conversation on how we can help your loved one.
About Alicia
Alicia Seaver is the Vice President of Memory Care Operations for EPOCH Senior Living and a Certified Memory Impairment Specialist. Every month, she addresses a specific issue related to memory and memory care. If you’re interested in hearing about a particular topic, please send a note to [email protected].
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