There is a new form of Dementia discovered. The disorder known as LATE affects different brain proteins and may need different treatments. This form "mimics" Alzheimer's symptoms. This new form of Dementia is thought to affect one in five elderly people.

An international review was conducted which found that a shocking number of patients aged over 80 were suffering from LATE when it was assumed they had Alzheimer's. Symptoms for both include cognitive decline, memory problems and mood disorders. The main Difference is how LATE progresses slower and the condition is caused by different brain proteins meaning it will require different drugs to treat in the future.

One of the biological signs of Alzheimer's is the presence of amyloid plaque or sticky proteins in the brain forming lumps in the brains of patients. However, in about 20% of all aptients over the age of 80, scientists have now found a different protein, the TDP-43, which they believe is he culprit behing LATE.

Due to the overlep in symptoms doctors feel it would be impossible to confidently distinuish between the conditions.