Newly identified Form of dementia could lead to the cure of the disease

Millions of people suffer from a previously unknown Form of dementia

There, researchers now have a new Form of dementia able to identify, among the millions of older people around the world suffer from. The breakthrough discovery could help in the future, perhaps to healing of dementia.

The researchers from the University of Kentucky noted in its recent study that there is a previously unknown Form of dementia, which may be frequently misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s. The results of the study were published in the English scientific journal “Brain”.

Millions of people suffering from Alzheimer’s, are suffering, in reality to a different Form of dementia. (Photo:Ocskay Mark/fotolia.com)

A third of all Alzheimer’s patients could in fact be to Late ill

The newly identified disease is called Late (limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy). Millions of older people suffer from this disease, which causes symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s. Up to a third of all the people, in which Alzheimer’s was diagnosed, could actually, under the new Form of dementia identify suffering. It is possible that both diseases are present simultaneously, and this can lead to a stronger cognitive decline. The misdiagnosis may be a reason why it has not been possible to find a cure for dementia, explain the researchers.

One in five people aged over 80 suffer from Late

The researchers are of the view that Late is one of five people aged over 80 years. Further research is urgently required in order for the disease to successfully treat. The ultimate goal is to prevent the causes of the disease, or to treat at least the symptoms, reports the researchers.

What is the difference between Late and Alzheimer’s?

The difference between Alzheimer’s and the newly identified disease is the nature of the protein structure in the brain. In the case of Late, it is TDP-43, while Alzheimer’s is characterized by two proteins: Beta-Amyloid and Tau. Currently, this can be only identified during an autopsy after death, but it is hoped that through further research of biomarkers can be found to enable early diagnosis.

Results will influence further studies

It is probably the most important study, which was published in the last five years in the area of dementia. Treatment trials with drugs that are effective against Alzheimer’s disease, have no effect against a Late, explain the authors in a press release. This had an important impact on the choice of Participants in future studies. In spite of extensive research and various clinical studies, there is currently still no cure for dementia. (as)