primary progressive aphasia
Also written as: PPA — Primary Progressive Aphasia
A neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by gradual loss of language abilities while other cognitive functions remain relatively preserved initially.
Full Definition
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical syndrome involving the gradual and progressive impairment of language function due to neurodegenerative disease. Unlike stroke-related aphasia, PPA develops slowly over years, with patients typically maintaining other cognitive abilities early in the disease course. The condition is classified into three main variants: semantic, nonfluent/agrammatic, and logopenic. Accurate identification is crucial for treatment planning and family counseling in geriatric psychiatry settings.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from other forms of aphasia and from logopenia as a symptom.
In Context
- "The patient's primary progressive aphasia was initially misdiagnosed as depression due to social withdrawal." — Neuropsychiatric assessment
- "Family members noted word-finding difficulties progressing over two years, consistent with primary progressive aphasia." — Clinical documentation