They identify a new type of dementia confused to date as Alzheimer's

Mexico City.- A paper by a group of scientists could explain an unknown type of dementia so far.

An investigation led by the American scientist, Peter Nelson describes a new type of dementia called EVENING (Age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy, predominant in the lumbic region) that is supposed to be as common as Alzheimer's disease in people over 80 years of age.

There are over 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold. Why would we think there is only one cause of dementia? "Said Nelson, of the University of Kentucky, in a statement.

Commonly, the scientific community has indicated that there are two proteins that are linked to Alzheimer's disease: beta-amyloid and tau. In the new type of dementia, the LATE, experts indicate that the protein, TDP-43, is directly related to the condition as well as to other related to the nervous system.

So far, the most prevalent senile dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which has a peak incidence between 65 and 80 years of age, "said biochemist Jesús Ávila, scientific director of the Center for Research in Neurological Diseases Foundation (CIEN). in Madrid.

Now, in this work is indicated, and agreed, the existence of another pathology for the elderly. That is, as the average life increases, new types of dementia arise, "added Avila.

Study authors say delayed signs are found in more than 20% of the brains seen in people over 80.

Many of the clinical trials of treatments for Alzheimer's disease fail because they include patients who should be excluded, "said María Ángeles Martín Requero, a researcher at the Center for Biological Research (CSIC) in Madrid, where the role of TDP-43 in dementias.

For his part, Alberto Rábano investigates accumulations of TDP-43 in the neurons and is responsible for the CIEN Foundation centers.

We have always said that Alzheimer's disease, from the age of 85, looks like another disease. In these extreme ages, dementia is a sum of pathologies. We see Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's with Parkinson's disease, cerebrovascular disease, TDP-43 inclusions … ", said the specialist.

There is "an urgent need for investigation," Radbano said on the matter.

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