Distinguishing logopenic from semantic & nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia: Patterns of linguistic and behavioral correlations

Neurocase. 2019 Jun-Aug;25(3-4):98-105. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2019.1625929. Epub 2019 Jun 4.

Abstract

While language characteristics of logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) are well-defined, behavioral characteristics are less understood. We investigated correlations between language and behavioral scores across three variants of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and found language performance and behavioral disturbances are correlated in lvPPA, but not other PPA subtypes. Results suggest that unlike other PPA variants, patients diagnosed with lvPPA do not develop negative behaviors until language deficits are severe. This is consistent with the underlying neuropathology of lvPPA, Alzheimer's Disease. Such findings are crucial to clinical prognosis, especially when considering the progressive nature of this disease.

Keywords: Primary progressive aphasia; behavior; language symptoms; logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia; nonfluent agrammatic primary progressive aphasia; semantic variant primary progressive aphasia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aphasia, Primary Progressive / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Language Tests
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Primary Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia / diagnosis*