A recently identified degenerative brain condition, known as limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), emerged just about ten years ago and still isn’t widely recognized. In this condition, the TDP-43 protein builds up primarily in the limbic regions of the brain, which are also impacted during the initial phases of Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, the symptoms of LATE resemble those seen in early Alzheimer’s, but typically develop at a slower pace and tend to be less severe.
A recently identified degenerative brain condition, known as limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE), emerged just about ten years ago and still isn’t widely recognized. In this condition, the TDP-43 protein builds up primarily in the limbic regions of the brain, which are also impacted during the initial phases of Alzheimer’s disease. As a result, the symptoms of LATE resemble those seen in early Alzheimer’s, but typically develop at a slower pace and tend to be less severe.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki undertook the first study examining how widespread LATE is within a population-based Finnish autopsy dataset that included 300 individuals aged 85 and older.
The findings indicated that LATE is quite prevalent.
Indicators of the condition were found in at least half of the individuals over 85.
“Most also exhibited other concurrent brain changes related to degenerative brain disorders, most commonly Alzheimer’s,” says Associate Professor Liisa Myllykangas from the University of Helsinki.
Strong connection to dementia
The research highlighted a strong link between LATE and dementia.
“The findings imply that LATE is, along with Alzheimer’s, one of the key factors contributing to dementia among the elderly,” states Myllykangas.
The relationship between LATE and dementia remained consistent, regardless of other brain alterations observed in the study participants.
Increasing number of dementia patients as the population ages
Previous research has indicated that LATE is especially common in individuals over 80. Current estimates suggest that nearly 65,000 Finns aged 85 and older are living with dementia (in Finnish).
“LATE likely impacts tens of thousands of individuals in Finland,” Myllykangas points out.
As the proportion of very elderly people in the Finnish population (and globally) continues to rise, Myllykangas believes the number of LATE cases will also grow.
“This condition poses a significant challenge for public health systems,” she asserts.
The results of the study were published in the journal Brain.
