Minnesota: Scientists recently discovered a new cause of memory loss called limbic-predominant amnesic neurodegenerative syndrome (LANS) that doctors mistake for Alzheimer’s.
For decades, Alzheimer’s disease has been viewed as the primary cause of memory loss. However, researchers have now discovered that other medical conditions can also cause Alzheimer’s-like symptoms, especially in older adults.
A new study by Mayo Clinic scientists has identified a memory loss syndrome called limbic-predominant amnestic neurodegenerative syndrome. This condition mimics Alzheimer’s but affects specific areas of the brain.
The limbic system is actually the part of the brain that controls memory, emotions and behavior. Degeneration in this disease occurs primarily in specific limbic areas of the brain, rather than affecting large areas of the brain, which is characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
This loss of parts of the brain leads to memory problems that can be mistaken for Alzheimer’s, but LANS progresses more slowly than Alzheimer’s and does not impair other cognitive abilities.
