Neurology® Podcast Clinical Criteria for LATE
May 26, 2025
Join Dr. Greg Cooper as he chats with Dr. David A. Wolk, a distinguished neurologist from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in LATE. They delve into the nuances of limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, highlighting its critical links to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The discussion covers the evolving recognition of LATE, challenges in accurate diagnosis, and the importance of advanced biomarkers like FDG PET imaging. Wolk's insights shed light on LATE's distinct clinical features and the urgency for better diagnostic tools.
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Introduction to LATE
- Limbic Predominant Age-Related TDP-43 Encephalopathy (LATE) is characterized by TDP-43 proteinopathy mainly affecting limbic brain areas in older adults.
- It presents as amnestic cognitive decline distinct from Alzheimer's but often co-occurs with it.
Historical Misdiagnosis of LATE
- Before TDP-43 staining was available, hippocampal sclerosis cases with severe hippocampal atrophy and memory loss were likely cases of LATE.
- Clinicians sometimes misdiagnosed these as Alzheimer's due to overlapping clinical features.
Prevalence and Impact of LATE
- LATE affects about 25% of people over age 80 and is a common cause of late-life memory loss.
- It often co-occurs with Alzheimer disease, accelerating cognitive decline and influencing treatment response.