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Overview
Functions of the brain
Functions of the brain
Different parts of the brain are responsible for different vital functions.
Primary progressive aphasia (uh-FAY-zhuh) is a rare nervous system syndrome that affects the ability to communicate. People who have it may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and understanding or finding words.
Symptoms begin gradually, often before age 65. They get worse over time. People with primary progressive aphasia may lose the ability to speak and write. Finally, they are unable to understand written or spoken language.
This condition progresses slowly. People with primary progressive aphasia can continue to care for themselves and participate in daily activities for years.
Primary progressive aphasia is a form of frontotemporal dementia. Frontotemporal dementia is a cluster of conditions resulting from degeneration of the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain. These areas include brain tissue involved in speech and language.
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Symptoms
Primary progressive aphasia symptoms vary depending on which part of the brain's language areas are involved. The condition has three types. Each type causes different symptoms. The symptoms develop over time and become progressively worse.
Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia
The symptoms include:
- Problems understanding spoken or written language, especially single words.
- Problems understanding the meaning of words.
- Inability to name objects.
- Problems formulating sentences.
Logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia
The symptoms include:
- Problems understanding spoken language, especially long sentences.
- Pause and hesitate while speaking as you search for words.
- Inability to repeat phrases or sentences.
Non-fluent-agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia
The symptoms include:
- Poor grammar in writing and speaking.
- Problems understanding complex sentences.
- Uses grammar incorrectly.
- May have difficulty speaking. This includes making mistakes in speech sounds, also called apraxia of speech.
Primary progressive aphasia of speech is related to primary progressive aphasia, but people with this disorder do not have problems with language. They have difficulty speaking. This includes making mistakes in speech sounds or having difficulty pronouncing words quickly.
When should you consult a doctor?
If you have any concerns about your ability to communicate, contact your healthcare provider. If you have a family member or friend who has symptoms of primary progressive aphasia, talk to the person about your concerns. Offer to accompany the person to a healthcare provider.
If sudden changes in speech or communication occur, call 911 or your local emergency number.
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Reasons
Primary progressive aphasia is caused by the shrinking of certain parts of the brain, also called lobes. In this case, the frontal, temporal or parietal lobes are affected. When parts of the brain shrink, this is called atrophy. The atrophy caused by primary progressive aphasia occurs mainly on the left side of the brain. The affected areas are responsible for speech and language.
Atrophy is associated with the presence of certain proteins in the brain. The proteins may decrease brain activity or function.
Risk factors
Risk factors for primary progressive aphasia include:
- Learning difficulties.People who had a learning disability in childhood, such as dyslexia, may have a slightly higher risk of primary progressive aphasia.
- Certain gene changes.Rare gene changes have been linked to primary progressive aphasia. If other members of your family have also had it, you are more likely to get it.
Complications
People with primary progressive aphasia eventually lose the ability to speak and write. This can take 3 to 15 years. They also have difficulty understanding written and spoken language. Some people are unable to form sounds to speak, even if they still have the ability to write and understand language. This is called apraxia of speech.
As the disease progresses, other mental skills such as memory, planning and organization may be affected. Some people develop other symptoms, such as movement, balance and swallowing problems. Because of these complications, people with the disease will eventually need help with daily care.
People with primary progressive aphasia may also develop depression as the disease progresses. Other problems may include blunted emotions, such as not showing concern, poor judgment, or inappropriate social behavior.
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1 april 2023
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