One Brain, Many Pathologies: Rethinking the Diagnosis of Dementia

Biomarkers and disease-modifying therapies make the biological cause of cognitive decline increasingly consequential. This seminar examines when an etiologic dementia diagnosis changes treatment, prognosis, counselling or eligibility for targeted therapy, and when a syndrome-based approach centred on symptoms, function and quality of life is more useful. Autopsy evidence illustrates the prevalence of mixed brain pathologies and informs diagnosis during life, including newer neuropathologic entities LATE and PART.