Primary progressive aphasia
Primary Progressive Aphasia
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) (pronunciation: /ˈpraɪməri prəˈɡrɛsɪv əˈfeɪʒə/) is a type of neurodegenerative disease that initially affects the areas of the brain associated with speech and language. Over time, individuals with PPA may have difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, while other mental functions, such as memory, may remain relatively preserved.
Etymology
The term "Primary Progressive Aphasia" was first coined in 1982 by the neurologist Marsel Mesulam. "Primary" refers to the disorder being the main cause of the language difficulties, "Progressive" indicates that the condition worsens over time, and "Aphasia" is a term used in neurology to describe language disorders caused by damage to the brain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of PPA can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of PPA. There are three recognized types of PPA: semantic variant PPA, nonfluent/agrammatic variant PPA, and logopenic variant PPA. Each type has distinct symptoms and is associated with different patterns of brain deterioration.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of PPA is based on the presence of progressive language problems, with these problems being the most prominent aspect of the individual's clinical presentation. Neuroimaging, such as MRI or PET scan, can be used to identify the specific areas of the brain that are affected.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for PPA. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include speech and language therapy, medications to manage cognitive symptoms, and supportive care.
Related Terms
- Aphasia
- Neurodegenerative disease
- Semantic variant PPA
- Nonfluent/agrammatic variant PPA
- Logopenic variant PPA
- MRI
- PET scan
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Primary progressive aphasia
- Wikipedia's article - Primary progressive aphasia
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