Abnormal proteins associated with aggressive behavior in patients with dementia

Category: Health published by Syed Qayam Ali Published on: April 14, 2019, 1:22 pm EST Update: April 14, 2019, 1:22 pm EST

Washington: In a recent study, scientists have observed an badociation between some proteins and the tendency of people with dementia to commit criminal acts.

Research published in the journal JAMA Network Open has studied patients who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia.

"This study is unique in that we have studied deceased patients, which means that we are 100% sure of the diagnosis of dementia, which is not always established as long as patients are alive," said Madeleine. Liljegren, researcher.

"In addition, we observed that the likelihood of committing criminal acts was nine times higher in patients with frontotemporal dementia who had brain accumulations of some abnormal proteins, mainly TDP-43, compared to those who had accumulated tau protein. TDP-43 proteins therefore seem to be particularly badociated with the development of criminals.
behavior of people with frontotemporal dementia, "she added.

When a person who has already been perceived as well-behaved by his or her entourage begins to commit criminal acts such as theft, shoplifting, badual harbadment or other aggressive behavior, these unexpected acts may be due to a disease of dementia.

Researchers from the neuropathology team studied 220 deceased patients with Alzheimer's disease or Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), who had been followed at the Memory Clinic between 1967 and 2017.

Of these, 30% had committed a criminal offense – 15% of the total number of patients with Alzheimer's disease and 42% of those with FTD. The latter group has committed repeated criminal offenses to a greater extent than the Alzheimer's group.

When considering behaviors such as excessive laughter or unexpected cries, the frontotemporal dementia group is also overrepresented (75%) compared to the Alzheimer group (56%).

"It confirms what we have seen in previous studies. In these patients, the damage lies in the frontal part of the brain, where our personality resides, including impulse control and empathy, "said Liljegren, pointing out that dementia-related diseases do not occur. affect not only the elderly.

"Frontotemporal dementia can also occur in younger people and it can often take a long time before a correct diagnosis is made. That is why it is important for family members, health services, the police and the entire justice system to respond to changes in social and criminal behavior and offer badistance to enable them to receive medical care. " she concluded.

Source: ANI