Primary Progressive Aphasia

What is Primary Progressive Aphasia?

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative (gets worse over time) form of aphasia and a type of frontotemporal dementia. PPA is most often caused by atrophy (shrinking, weakening) of certain sections (lobes) of the brain responsible for speech and language. Typically the frontal, temporal or parietal lobes, primarily on the left side of the brain, are affected. Symptoms often begin before the age of 65 years of age, but not always. Some people lose the ability to speak, understand, read or write. Alternative methods of communication can be helpful for people living with PPA

People living with PPA may have challenges with:

• trouble understanding spoken and/or written information as well as
• problems expressing their thoughts
• difficulties finding words and naming
• challenges with reading
• challenges with writing
• May be accompanied by speaking problems such as errors in speech sounds (known as apraxia of speech)

Other symptoms include:

• Losing the ability to speak and write, and to understand written and spoken language. Some people develop substantial difficulty forming sounds to speak (a problem called apraxia of speech), even when their ability to write and comprehend are not significantly impaired.

As the disease progresses, other mental skills, such as memory, can become impaired. Some people develop other neurological symptoms such as problems with movement. With these complications, the affected person eventually will need help with day-to-day care.

People with primary progressive aphasia can also develop depression or behavioral or social problems as the disease progresses. Other problems might include blunted emotions such as unconcern, poor judgment or inappropriate social behavior. (mayoclinic.org

Speech-Language Pathology Evaluation & Therapy

A speech-language pathologist will evaluate listening, speaking, reading and/or writing and will assess functional communication. A SLP will consider input from family and other caregivers through a detailed clinical interview. A speech language pathologist will also incorporate

individualized goals and will work to help individuals with PPA cope with the diagnosis and optimize quality of life.

Additional Information:

• National Aphasia Association - PPA
• National Aphasia Association – Understanding PPA
• UCSF – Weill Institute for Neurosciences – Primary Progressive Aphasia

Videos:

Living with LPA (Logopenic PPA): YouTube video

Research:

Northwestern – Join a Research Study for PPA - Join a Study: Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease: Feinberg School of Medicine: Northwestern University