Fakta Disemak oleh Hello Doktor Medical Panel
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurological syndrome in which language capabilities become slowly and progressively impaired. Unlike other forms of aphasia that result from stroke or brain injury, PPA is caused by neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration. PPA results from deterioration of brain tissue important for speech and language. Although the first symptoms are problems with speech and language, other problems associated with the underlying disease, such as memory loss, often occur later.
PPA commonly begins as a subtle disorder of language, progressing to a nearly total inability to speak, in its most severe stage. The type or pattern of the language deficit may differ from patient to patient. The initial language disturbance may be fluent aphasia (i.e., the person may have normal or even increased rate of word production) or non-fluent aphasia (speech becomes effortful and the person produces fewer words). A less common variety begins with impaired word-finding and progressive deterioration of naming and comprehension, with relatively preserved articulation.
As with aphasia that results from stroke or brain trauma, the manifestations of PPA depend on what parts of the left hemisphere are relatively more damaged at any given point in the illness. The person may or may not have difficulty understanding speech. Eventually, almost all patients become mute and unable to understand spoken or written language, even if their behavior seems otherwise normal.
Please discuss with your doctor for further information.
Signs and symptoms of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) usually begin gradually and vary based on the type of PPA present. In addition to speech problems, reading and writing also are usually affected. Symptoms generally worsen over time. Affected people may become mute and eventually lose the ability to understand written or spoken language. Although additional cognitive symptoms may emerge later in the course of the illness, deficits must be generally confined to the area of language for at least a couple of years to fulfill a diagnosis of PPA. People with the semantic dementia type may have difficulty with:
People with the lopogenic type may have:
People with the progressive non-fluent type may have:
Some people with PPA are ultimately diagnosed with other neurodegenerative diseases.
There may be some symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.
If you have any signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please consult with your doctor. Everyone’s body acts differently. It is always best to discuss with your doctor what is best for your situation.
Primary progressive aphasia is caused by a shrinking (atrophy) of the frontal, temporal or parietal lobes in the brain, primarily on the left side. The condition affects the language centers in your brain.
Scar tissue and abnormal proteins also might be present, and brain activity might be reduced.
There are many risk factors for primary progressive aphasia, such as:
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.
To diagnose primary progressive aphasia, your doctor will review your symptoms and order tests.
Worsening communication difficulty without significant changes in thinking and behavior for a year or two is a hallmark of primary progressive aphasia.
Neurological examination
Doctors might conduct a neurological examination as well as a speech-language evaluation and a neuropsychological evaluation. Tests will measure your speech, language comprehension and skills, recognition and naming of objects, recall, and other factors.
Blood tests
Doctors might order blood tests to check for infections, measure medication levels or look for other medical conditions. Genetic tests can determine if you have genetic mutations associated with primary progressive aphasia or other neurological conditions.
Brain scans
MRI scans can help diagnose primary progressive aphasia, detect shrinking of certain areas of the brain and show which area of the brain might be affected. MRI scans can also detect strokes, tumors or other conditions that affect brain function.
Single-photon emission computerized tomography or PET scans can show blood flow or glucose metabolism abnormalities in areas of your brain.
Primary progressive aphasia can’t be cured, and there are no medications to treat it. However, some therapies might help improve or maintain your ability to communicate and manage your condition.
Speech and language therapy
Working with a speech-language pathologist, focusing primarily on efforts to compensate for eroding language skills, can be helpful. Although speech and language therapy hasn’t been proved to slow progression of the condition, it can help you manage your condition.
Penafian
Hello Health Group tidak menawarkan nasihat perubatan, diagnosis atau rawatan.
Fakta Disemak oleh
Hello Doktor Medical Panel
Komen
Kongsi komen anda
Ayuh jadi yang pertama untuk memberi komen!
Sertai Kami atau Log Masuk untuk menghantar komen