Progressive nonfluent aphasia

Progressive nonfluent aphasia (PNFA) is a type of frontotemporal dementia characterized by difficulties in language functions, particularly in producing speech.

Pronunciation

Progressive nonfluent aphasia: /prəˈɡresiv nɒnˈfluːənt əˈfeɪʒə/

Etymology

The term "Progressive nonfluent aphasia" is derived from the following roots:

• Progressive: From Latin progressus, past participle of progredi ("to go forward").
• Nonfluent: From Latin non ("not") and fluentem ("flowing").
• Aphasia: From Greek aphasia ("speechlessness"), from a- ("not") and phasis ("speech").

Definition

Progressive nonfluent aphasia is a neurological disorder characterized by a progressive loss of speech production and comprehension abilities. It is one of three clinical syndromes associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), along with semantic dementia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Symptoms

The primary symptom of PNFA is difficulty with speaking, which can manifest as slow, effortful speech, grammatical errors, and/or word-finding pauses. Other symptoms may include difficulty understanding complex sentences, impaired comprehension of speech, and difficulty with writing.

Causes

PNFA is caused by degeneration in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, particularly in the left hemisphere, which is responsible for language functions. The exact cause of this degeneration is unknown, but it is thought to be related to abnormal protein accumulation in the brain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of PNFA is based on clinical assessment, including a detailed history, neurological examination, and neuropsychological testing. Imaging studies such as MRI or PET scan may also be used to identify areas of brain degeneration.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for PNFA. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include speech and language therapy, medications to manage behavioral symptoms, and supportive care.

Related Terms

• Aphasia
• Frontotemporal dementia
• Semantic dementia
• Frontotemporal lobar degeneration

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Progressive nonfluent aphasia
• Wikipedia's article - Progressive nonfluent aphasia

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