Definition of Limbic-Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE)

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE): This disorder produces clinical features of dementia similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. In 2019, an international team of scientists described the condition known as limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, or LATE. The condition arises from an abnormal folding of a protein called TDP-43 (transactive response DNA binding protein of 43 kDa). TDP-43 normally functions to control gene expression in the brain and other areas of the body. This new pathway to dementia primarily affects adults in the "oldest old" category, over age 85. It is thought to affect many mental capabilities but may progress more slowly than Alzheimer's disease. LATE may also co-occur with Alzheimer's disease in certain people.