Primary Progressive Aphasia

This is an infrequent neurological disorders in which communication become distorted. Patients have difficulty in talking and comprehending others talk.They find difficulty in choosing words for speaking.

Symptoms

Three types of primary progressive aphasia are there which vary in symptoms depending upon the part of brain damage

Semantic variant presents as difficulty in understanding written and spoken languages, trouble in understanding words meaning as well as naming objects
Logopenic variant presents as difficulty in finding proper words or their substitution, frequent pause in sentences, inability to repeat sentences.
Nonfluent-agrammatic variant presents as poor grammar, troubled understanding of complex sentences, error in speech sound.

Causes

This condition is caused by atrophy of some lobes of brain whose main function is related to speech and language. Mainly frontal, temporal or parietal lobes of left side. This atrophy is due to abnormal protein production in affected area.

Complications

The most concerning complications are:

Apraxia of speech
Memory disturbances
Blurred emotions
Distorted day-to-day routine

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by complete examination of physical and neurological theme. The hallmark of primary progressive aphasia is the worsening of communication skills without prominent changes in thinking and behavior. Other investigations include:

Neurological examination
Blood tests
Brain scans like MRI, CT scan, single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Treatment

This condition is incurable and can’t be corrected by medication. Speech and language therapy can aid to manage the condition.

Primary Progressive Aphasia