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Watanabe M, Cartwright J, Pierce JE. Positive effects of speech and language therapy group interventions in primary progressive aphasia: A systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024. [PMID: 38602276 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by a prominent and progressive deterioration in language abilities, which significantly impacts quality of life and interpersonal relationships. Speech and language therapy plays a crucial role in offering interventions. Group intervention is one mode of delivery that could benefit communication functioning and overall wellbeing of people with PPA (pwPPA) and their care partners. Group interventions are also more efficient than one-to-one intervention and may facilitate peer support. AIMS The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the current evidence for the effectiveness of speech and language therapy groups for pwPPA and their care partners. Specifically, this paper considered three questions: 1.What evidence-based speech and language therapy groups for pwPPA and their care partners have been reported to date? 2.Are group communication interventions effective in improving quality of life and communication function for pwPPA and their care partners? 3.Are group communication interventions that are designed for people with communication difficulties of other aetiologies (such as stroke) effective for pwPPA? In addition, this review aimed to describe the structure and content of groups, including aims, disciplines involved, size and frequency of group meetings, and outcome measures. METHODS MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were used to retrieve articles of interest. A total of 10 studies published between 2009 and 2022 met the eligibility criteria and therefore were included in this study. Data were extracted from the articles regarding the structure and content of groups. MAIN CONTRIBUTION Although evidence is currently limited, results suggest that speech and language therapy group intervention can improve specific linguistic processes, the use of communication strategies and psychosocial well-being. The importance of multidisciplinary input and care partners' involvement in groups was highlighted, along with the benefits of creative non-verbal activities as tools for self-expression. There is also initial evidence that telehealth group provision and one-off group sessions may be feasible and can benefit psychosocial well-being. Lastly, intentional recruitment and explicit education on different aphasia types are described as important when pwPPA participate in groups with mixed diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS The literature on speech and language therapy group interventions for PPA shows promise of positive effects on communication function and psychosocial well-being of both pwPPA and their care partners. Speech and language therapists can consider these published interventions when designing and implementing similar groups, but more robust evidence is required to confirm the relative effectiveness of this approach. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject Speech pathology led group intervention shows some promise in benefitting communication functioning and overall well-being of pwPPA and their carers, but there has been no systematic evaluation of all the evidence regarding the efficacy of speech and language therapy led groups. Establishing feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of speech and language therapy group interventions for pwPPA and their carers may present a valuable addition for managing this progressive language disability. What this paper adds to existing knowledge Although evidence is currently limited, results from this systematic review suggest that speech and language therapy led group intervention can improve specific linguistic processes, the use of communication strategies and psychosocial well-being for pwPPA and their carers. The importance of multidisciplinary input and carers' involvement in groups was highlighted, along with the benefits of creative non-verbal activities as tools for self-expression. There is also initial evidence that telehealth group provision for carers may be feasible and can benefit psychosocial wellbeing. Lastly, intentional recruitment and explicit education on different aphasia types are described as important when pwPPA participate in groups with mixed diagnoses. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? A synthesis of the evidence base for speech and language therapy led PPA groups, as well as a description of the group components and formats, will be valuable for clinical service planning, and will guide future examination of group options for pwPPA and their carers. Speech and language therapists can also consider the research findings from this systematic review when designing and implementing similar groups in their local context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jade Cartwright
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - John E Pierce
- Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Speech Pathology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Wauters LD, Croot K, Dial HR, Duffy JR, Grasso SM, Kim E, Schaffer Mendez K, Ballard KJ, Clark HM, Kohley L, Murray LL, Rogalski EJ, Figeys M, Milman L, Henry ML. Behavioral Treatment for Speech and Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia and Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2023:10.1007/s11065-023-09607-1. [PMID: 37792075 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) are neurodegenerative syndromes characterized by progressive decline in language or speech. There is a growing number of studies investigating speech-language interventions for PPA/PPAOS. An updated systematic evaluation of the treatment evidence is warranted to inform best clinical practice and guide future treatment research. We systematically reviewed the evidence for behavioral treatment for speech and language in this population. Reviewed articles were published in peer-reviewed journals through 31 May 2021. We evaluated level of evidence, reporting quality, and risk of bias using a modified version of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Levels of Evidence, an appraisal point system, additional reporting quality and internal/external validity items, and, as appropriate, the Single Case Experimental Design Scale or the Physiotherapy Evidence Database - PsycBITE Rating Scale for Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials. Results were synthesized using quantitative summaries and narrative review. A total of 103 studies reported treatment outcomes for 626 individuals with PPA; no studies used the diagnostic label PPAOS. Most studies evaluated interventions for word retrieval. The highest-quality evidence was provided by 45 experimental and quasi-experimental studies (16 controlled group studies, 29 single-subject designs). All (k = 45/45) reported improvement on a primary outcome measure; most reported generalization (k = 34/43), maintenance (k = 34/39), or social validity (k = 17/19) of treatment for at least one participant. The available evidence supports speech-language intervention for persons with PPA; however, treatment for PPAOS awaits systematic investigation. Implications and limitations of the evidence and the review are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Wauters
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Karen Croot
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather R Dial
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Joseph R Duffy
- Department of Neurology, Division of Speech Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Stephanie M Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Esther Kim
- US Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, T6G 2R3, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Kirrie J Ballard
- Faculty of Medicine & Health and Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Heather M Clark
- Department of Neurology, Division of Speech Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Leeah Kohley
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Laura L Murray
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Emily J Rogalski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mathieu Figeys
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Lisa Milman
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Maya L Henry
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA.
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Ghirelli A, Tafuri B, Urso D, Milella G, De Blasi R, Nigro S, Logroscino G. Cortical signature of depressive symptoms in frontotemporal dementia: A surface-based analysis. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2023; 10:1704-1713. [PMID: 37522381 PMCID: PMC10578898 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Depressive symptoms are frequently reported in patients affected by frontotemporal dementia (FTD). At structural MRI, cortical features of depressed FTD patients have been poorly described. Our objective was to investigate correlations between cortical measures and depression severity in FTD patients. METHODS Data were obtained from the Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration Neuroimaging Initiative (FTLDNI) database. We included 98 controls and 92 FTD patients, n = 38 behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), n = 26 non-fluent variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (nfvPPA), and n = 28 semantic variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (svPPA). Patients underwent clinical and cognitive evaluations, as well as a 3D T1-weighted MRI on a 3 Tesla scanner (Siemens, Trio Tim system). Depression was evaluated by means of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Surface-based analysis was performed on T1-weighted images to evaluate cortical thickness, a measure of gray matter integrity, and local gyrification index (lGI), a quantitative metric of cortical folding. RESULTS Patients affected by svPPA were more depressed than controls at NPI and depression severity at GDS was higher in svPPA and bvFTD. Severity of depression correlated with a decrease in lGI in left precentral and superior frontal gyrus, supramarginal and postcentral gyrus and right precentral, supramarginal, superior parietal and superior frontal gyri. Furthermore, depression severity correlated positively with cortical thickness in the left medial orbitofrontal cortex. DISCUSSION We found that lGI was associated with depressive symptoms over brain regions involved in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. This finding provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying psychiatric symptoms in FTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Ghirelli
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in NeurologyUniversity of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”LecceItaly
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN)University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’BariItaly
| | - Benedetta Tafuri
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in NeurologyUniversity of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”LecceItaly
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN)University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’BariItaly
| | - Daniele Urso
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in NeurologyUniversity of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”LecceItaly
- Department of Neurosciences, King's College LondonInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceLondonUK
| | - Giammarco Milella
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in NeurologyUniversity of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”LecceItaly
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN)University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’BariItaly
| | - Roberto De Blasi
- Department of Diagnostic ImagingPia Fondazione di Culto e Religione “Card. G. Panico”LecceItaly
| | - Salvatore Nigro
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in NeurologyUniversity of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”LecceItaly
- Institute of Nanotechnology (NANOTEC), National Research CouncilLecceItaly
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain, Department of Clinical Research in NeurologyUniversity of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, “Pia Fondazione Cardinale G. Panico”LecceItaly
- Department of Diagnostic ImagingPia Fondazione di Culto e Religione “Card. G. Panico”LecceItaly
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Collins JD, Henley SMD, Suárez-González A. A systematic review of the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and apathy in frontotemporal dementia, atypical and young-onset Alzheimer's disease, and inherited dementia. Int Psychogeriatr 2023; 35:457-476. [PMID: 32684177 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression, anxiety, and apathy are the most commonly reported neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding their prevalence in rarer dementias such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), young-onset AD (YOAD), and inherited dementias has implications for both clinical practice and research. In this study, we aimed to examine the current state of knowledge of the prevalence of these three NPS in less prevalent dementias. DESIGN We conducted a systematic review based on searches of EMBASE, PsycINFO, and PubMed up to September 2019. RESULTS 47 articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Depression, anxiety, and apathy were commonly reported across the phenotypes studied but their prevalence showed large variation between studies. Apathy showed the highest reported frequency in FTD (50-100% across studies), behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) (73-100%), and YOAD (44-100%). Anxiety was frequently reported in FTD (0-100%) and bvFTD (19-63%). Depression showed the highest prevalence in FTD (7-69%) and YOAD (11-55%). Among the three variants of PPA, sv-PPA is the one most investigated (seven articles). Three or fewer articles were identified examining NPS in the remaining PPA variants, PCA, familial AD, and familial FTD. Inconsistency in the tools used to measure symptoms and small sample sizes were common methodological limitations. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should consider the inclusion of larger sample sizes (e.g. through multicenter collaborations) and the use of harmonized protocols that include the combination of caregiver and patient-derived measures and symptom-specific questionnaires. More research is needed on the phenotype-specific barriers and facilitators for people living with dementia to successfully engage in self-reports of NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D Collins
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Susie M D Henley
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aida Suárez-González
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Neylan KD, Miller BL. New Approaches to the Treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia. Neurotherapeutics 2023; 20:1055-1065. [PMID: 37157041 PMCID: PMC10457270 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-023-01380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) comprises a diverse group of clinical neurodegenerative syndromes characterized by progressive changes in behavior, personality, executive function, language, and motor function. Approximately 20% of FTD cases have a known genetic cause. The three most common genetic mutations causing FTD are discussed. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration refers to the heterogeneous group of neuropathology underlying FTD clinical syndromes. While there are no current disease-modifying treatments for FTD, management includes off-label pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological approaches to target symptoms. The utility of several different drug classes is discussed. Medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease have no benefit in FTD and can worsen neuropsychiatric symptoms. Non-pharmacological approaches to management include lifestyle modifications, speech-, occupational-, and physical therapy, peer and caregiver support, and safety considerations. Recent developments in the understanding of the genetics, pathophysiology, neuropathology, and neuroimmunology underlying FTD clinical syndromes have expanded possibilities for disease-modifying and symptom-targeted treatments. Different pathogenetic mechanisms are targeted in several active clinical trials, opening up exciting possibilities for breakthrough advances in treatment and management of FTD spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra D Neylan
- University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, San Francisco, USA.
| | - Bruce L Miller
- University of California San Francisco Memory and Aging Center, San Francisco, USA
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Loizidou M, Brotherhood E, Harding E, Crutch S, Warren JD, Hardy CJ, Volkmer A. 'Like going into a chocolate shop, blindfolded': What do people with primary progressive aphasia want from speech and language therapy? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023; 58:737-755. [PMID: 36448629 PMCID: PMC10947572 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) describes a group of language-led dementias. PPAs are complex, diverse and difficult to diagnose, and therefore conventional models of aphasia and dementia treatment do not meet their needs. The research evidence on intervention for PPA is developing, but to date there are only a few case studies exploring the experiences of people with PPA (PwPPA) themselves. AIMS To explore the experiences and opinions of PwPPA and their communication partners (CPs) to understand how speech and language therapy (SLT) services can better meet their needs. METHODS & PROCEDURES A qualitative research approach was used whereby PwPPA and their friends or family members were recruited to participate in focus groups, via advertisements in the Rare Dementia Support PPA group newsletters. Consenting participants were allocated to attend one of four focus groups hosted on an online video conferencing platform. Participants were asked about their communication difficulties, and how SLT could address these needs. All meetings were transcribed, and data were examined using reflexive thematic analysis. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Six PwPPA and 14 CPs representing all three PPA variants and mixed PPA participated in the focus groups. Four main themes were identified during the analysis of the focus group discussions: (1) CPs' burden, (2) adjusting to the diagnosis, (3) communication abilities and difficulties and (4) beyond language. A further 10 subthemes were identified. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS This study provides a greater understanding of the experiences and needs of PwPPA and their families in relation to SLT. This work underlines the importance of a person-centred approach that considers the broader needs of both the PwPPA and the people around them. This will enable service providers to deliver SLT that meets the needs of PwPPA and their families and will also inform future research in this field. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject We know that PwPPA can maintain or even make improvements in word retrieval and speech fluency with SLT exercises. There is also developing evidence of the benefits of interventions such as CP training, communication aid support and other functional interventions. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study provides an understanding of the experiences and opinions of people living with PPA and their families in relation to SLT. Results demonstrate that PwPPA and their families have to navigate a complex journey, identifying strategies to support communication but also the influence of personality and other cognitive symptoms. SLT was useful, but not always available. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This study will enable service providers to better plan, justify funding for and delivery of SLT that will meet the needs of PwPPA and their families. Most importantly this work underlines the importance of a person-centred approach, incorporating the broader needs of the person with PPA and those around them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Loizidou
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseDementia Research CentreUCL Institute ofNeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Emilie Brotherhood
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseDementia Research CentreUCL Institute ofNeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Emma Harding
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseDementia Research CentreUCL Institute ofNeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Sebastian Crutch
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseDementia Research CentreUCL Institute ofNeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Jason D. Warren
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseDementia Research CentreUCL Institute ofNeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Chris J.D. Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseaseDementia Research CentreUCL Institute ofNeurologyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Division of Psychology and Language SciencesUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Volkmer A, Cartwright J, Ruggero L, Beales A, Gallée J, Grasso S, Henry M, Jokel R, Kindell J, Khayum R, Pozzebon M, Rochon E, Taylor-Rubin C, Townsend R, Walker F, Beeke S, Hersh D. Principles and philosophies for speech and language therapists working with people with primary progressive aphasia: an international expert consensus. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:1063-1078. [PMID: 35352609 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2051080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a language-led dementia associated with Alzheimer's pathology and fronto-temporal lobar degeneration. Multiple tailored speech and language interventions have been developed for people with PPA. Speech and language therapists/speech-language pathologists (SLT/Ps) report lacking confidence in identifying the most pertinent interventions options relevant to their clients living with PPA during their illness trajectory. MATERIALS AND METHODS The aim of this study was to establish a consensus amongst 15 clinical-academic SLT/Ps on best practice in selection and delivery of speech and language therapy interventions for people with PPA. An online nominal group technique (NGT) and consequent focus group session were held. NGT rankings were aggregated and focus groups video recorded, transcribed, and reflexive thematic analysis undertaken. RESULTS The results of the NGT identified 17 items. Two main themes and seven further subthemes were identified in the focus groups. The main themes comprised (1) philosophy of person-centredness and (2) complexity. The seven subthemes were knowing people deeply, preventing disasters, practical issues, professional development, connectedness, barriers and limitations, and peer support and mentoring towards a shared understanding. CONCLUSIONS This study describes the philosophy of expert practice and outlines a set of best practice principles when working with people with PPA.Implications for rehabilitationPrimary progressive aphasia (PPA) describes a group of language led dementias which deteriorate inexorably over time.Providing speech and language therapy for people with PPA is complex and must be person centred and bespoke.This study describes the philosophy of expert practice and outlines a set of best practice principles for speech and language therapists/pathologists working with people with people with PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Volkmer
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Cartwright
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - L Ruggero
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Beales
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Community Rehabilitation Unit, Hobart, Australia
| | - J Gallée
- Division of Medical Sciences, Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, Redmond, WA, USA
| | - S Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Moody College of Communication, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - M Henry
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Moody College of Communication, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - R Jokel
- Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Canada
| | - J Kindell
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Ashton-under-Lyne, UK
| | - R Khayum
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- MemoryCare Corporation, Aurora, IL, USA
| | - M Pozzebon
- Speech Pathology Department, Royal Melbourne Hospital - Royal Park Campus, Melbourne, Australia
| | - E Rochon
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - C Taylor-Rubin
- Speech Pathology Department, War Memorial Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - F Walker
- Speech Pathology Department, Carrington Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Beeke
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - D Hersh
- Speech Pathology, School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Speech Pathology, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Lo KC, Bricker-Katz G, Ballard K, Piguet O. The affective, behavioural, and cognitive reactions to a diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia: A qualitative descriptive study. DEMENTIA 2022; 21:2476-2498. [PMID: 36054090 DOI: 10.1177/14713012221124315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Receiving a diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorder is life changing. Primary progressive aphasia is one such disease. Understanding how receiving this diagnosis impacts on individuals may help plan support services. However, limited qualitative research from the perspectives of people with Primary Progressive Aphasia are available for suitable care planning. Current literature primarily focuses on experiences of family members. The present study aims to fill this gap by examining the affective, behavioural, and cognitive experiences of people with Primary Progressive Aphasia. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants with PPA. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to describe responses from participants on: (i) what they experienced prior to receiving their diagnosis; (ii) their experience of receiving the diagnosis; and (iii) how they were living with their PPA. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to identify main themes. RESULTS Analysis revealed a superordinate theme of Multifaceted Grief with subthemes described in sequence of research questions posed, representing the three phases of Pre-Diagnosis, Time of Diagnosis, and Post-Diagnosis. Themes collectively revealed participants' ongoing experience of loss in dealing with the evolving challenges of Primary Progressive Aphasia. Experiences of loss emerged with descriptions of feelings, thoughts, and limitations in relation to changes imposed by the illness, impacting daily activities and life roles central to participants' pre-diagnosis sense of self. CONCLUSION Participants' affective, behavioural and cognitive reactions to their Primary Progressive Aphasia diagnosis marks the onset of Multifaceted Grief borne of loss of communication and cognition. Participants expressed a need for information regarding a possible Primary Progressive Aphasia trajectory and support to enable a successful transition as their disease progressed. Collaborative engagement between speech pathologists and people with Primary Progressive Aphasia incorporates addressing all levels of the International Classification of Functioning and Health by considering neurological, psychological, and psychosocial experiences of the person with the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Chi Lo
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, 4334University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geraldine Bricker-Katz
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, 4334University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirrie Ballard
- Discipline of Speech Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Psychology and Brain & Mind Centre, 4334 The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- School of Psychology and Brain & Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 4334Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Association of Long-Term Speech Therapy and Neuromodulation in Primary Progressive Aphasia: Lessons from a Case Report. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn6030017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a progressive loss of language. Long-term support requires speech therapy but also individually set training programs. Here we propose an 8-month individualized speech-training program which alternates 3-week periods of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment with intensive daily language exercises and a 3-week period without tDCS treatment and a less intensive language exercise from home in a patient with non-fluent variant PPA (nfvPPA). The endpoints were the following: adherence to this program, language data after 8 months, questionnaires related to emotional valence, and brain volume changes. The results showed a persistent adherence after 8 months and a positive compliance reported by both the patient and the partner. The language evaluation showed a clinical stabilization. Moreover, a significant and positive influence of tDCS on mood was observed. This is, to our knowledge, the first ever published report of a combined neuromodulation and language training during the course of 8 months. Our finding suggests the feasibility of programs integrating hospital speech therapy, home training, and tDCS modulation in PPA. Further studies should be conducted in order to disentangle the contextual influences on language performance from the tDCS intervention effects and to address the observation of an initial improvement and a subsequent stabilization effect of language performances.
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Mulder-Heijstra MMP, Jokel RR, Chertkow HH, Conn DDK, Mah LL. Primary Progressive Aphasia Presenting With Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2022; 35:574-579. [PMID: 34382469 DOI: 10.1177/08919887211036189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We describe a case of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) with an underlying neurodegenerative motor disorder (possible ALS or PSP), presenting with symptoms of irritability and frustration, that were misdiagnosed and treated as a primary psychiatric disorder, i.e. depression. PPA is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by insidious onset and gradual progression of speech and language impairment. We emphasize that PPA can initially masquerade as or be accompanied by neuropsychiatric symptoms potentially leading to misdiagnosis. Most prevalent neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in the PPA literature are agitation, depression, anxiety, apathy, irritability, abnormal appetite and disinhibition. To ensure early diagnosis of PPA, if a patient presents with new psychiatric symptoms accompanied by new onset speech and/or language impairment, referral to a specialist (i.e., neurologist and/or speech-language pathologist) is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam M P Mulder-Heijstra
- Rotman Research Institute, 63671Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,GGZ Rivierduinen, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Regina R Jokel
- Rotman Research Institute, 63671Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Howard H Chertkow
- Rotman Research Institute, 63671Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David D K Conn
- Baycrest Centre and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda L Mah
- Rotman Research Institute, 63671Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Baycrest, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Patel D, Andersen S, Smith K, Ritter A. Completed Suicide by Firearm in an Individual With the Agrammatic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia: Case Report. Front Neurol 2022; 13:828155. [PMID: 35370921 PMCID: PMC8965452 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.828155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The agrammatic or nonfluent variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia (nfvPPA) is a form of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) that is characterized by progressive language dysfunction, poor sentence construction, and low verbal fluency. Individuals with nfvPPA have intact insight into their decline, which may manifest as frustration and hopelessness, and show signs of impulsivity and disinhibition. Little is known about suicide risk in this patient population. Here we describe a case of an 84 year-old male with nfvPPA who, over the course of his care, experienced a decline in language and motoric functioning which coincided with increasing irritability and impulsivity. Despite this significant decline, he denied depressive symptoms or showed any suicidal tendencies, and he seemed to be looking forward to future events. His suicide, committed with a handgun during what appeared to be a rather innocuous trip to the garage, came as a significant shock to his spouse, family, and his clinical care team. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of completed suicide in a patient with the nfvPPA subtype of FTD. Though this patient demonstrated demographic risk factors for suicide (advanced age, retired military veteran with easy access to firearms) there is a lack of data regarding how FTD may have contributed. Retained insight especially seems to be a risk factor for suicide across all forms of dementia. Impulsivity may be key when considering suicidality amongst FTD patients. Additionally, this case demonstrates the importance of addressing gun safety as there are few guidelines around gun ownership in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepal Patel
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Shaun Andersen
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Kyler Smith
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Aaron Ritter
- Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Las Vegas, NV, United States.,University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States.,Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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12
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Medvedeva A, Grishina D. The possibilities of differential diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:121-127. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2022122091121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Tippett DC, Keser Z. Clinical and neuroimaging characteristics of primary progressive aphasia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 185:81-97. [PMID: 35078612 PMCID: PMC9951770 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823384-9.00016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The chapter covers the clinical syndrome of a primary progressive aphasia (PPA), the demographics of this rare neurodegenerative disease, defining clinical and neuroanatomic characteristics of each PPA variant, disease progression, and behavioral features. The chapter begins with a brief introduction that includes references to seminal papers that defined this clinical syndrome and its three variants. The classic PPA subtypes discussed in the chapter are semantic variant PPA (svPPA), nonfluent/agrammatic PPA (nfaPPA), and logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA). The key language and cognitive characteristics, and language tasks that can elicit these language impairments, are detailed. Overlap in the clinical profiles of the PPA variants, which make differential diagnosis challenging, are explained. Disease progression is described, revealing that the PPA variants become more similar over time. Although PPA is language-predominant dementia, there are behavioral manifestations, particularly in svPPA. Changes in behavior in this variant are addressed as well as behavioral changes in nfaPPA and lvPPA that are less well recognized. The patterns of atrophy in the left temporal, parietal, and/or frontal cortices unique to each PPA variant are described. The underlying neuropathologies of the PPA variants are discussed, specifically tauopathies and non-tauopathies associated with svPPA and nfaPPA and Alzheimer's disease pathology in lvPPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna C. Tippett
- Departments of Neurology, Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Zafer Keser
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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14
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Schaffer KM, Henry ML. Counseling and Care Partner Training in Primary Progressive Aphasia. PERSPECTIVES OF THE ASHA SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS 2021; 6:1015-1025. [PMID: 35935167 PMCID: PMC9351599 DOI: 10.1044/2021_persp-20-00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) experience loss of communication abilities in the context of neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, many individuals with PPA endorse negative psychosocial effects, including social isolation, reduced communication confidence, and depression. Incorporating communication-centered counseling early and often within the speech-language pathology treatment framework is a vital component in holistically addressing the multifaceted ramifications of living with this devastating disorder. Additionally, care partners are key stakeholders in the treatment dynamic. Involving these individuals in the treatment paradigm through care partner training is crucial for facilitating optimal communication in daily life. The purpose of this narrative literature review is to discuss existing research regarding counseling and care partner training in PPA and to outline additional treatment considerations and future research needs in this understudied area. CONCLUSIONS Relative to studies that delineate restitutive speech-language interventions for PPA, the literature pertaining to counseling and care partner training is limited. Available evidence supports the utility of these approaches, which serve as complementary components to restitutive and compensatory speech-language intervention. Additional research is warranted to support generalizability and long-term benefit of these interventions, and to address facets of counseling and care partner training that have not been explored in PPA (e.g., counseling interventions drawing from specific psychotherapeutic traditions; multicultural counseling) or have only been explored to a limited degree (e.g., interventions that jointly provide counseling and partner training).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Schaffer
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Maya L. Henry
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
- Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
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15
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Taylor-Rubin C, Croot K, Nickels L. Speech and language therapy in primary progressive aphasia: a critical review of current practice. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:419-430. [PMID: 33641570 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.1897253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a complex language-led dementia syndrome whereby disproportionate deterioration of speech and language occurs subsequent to neurodegenerative disease in the early to mid-stages of the condition. As no effective pharmacotherapies are currently available, speech and language therapies are the optimum treatment to maximize communication for as long as possible. AREAS COVERED The authors present an overview of current speech-language therapy practices in PPA, highlighting recent research on effective treatments. EXPERT OPINION The challenges in this complex field of practice are described. We highlight the challenge of improving access to speech-language therapy by advocating for increased referral rates. The authors also suggest effective incorporation of innovative technologies in treatment and an enhanced evidence base for the utility of lexical retrieval treatment in improving everyday communication as challenges for the future. Finally, increased provision of PPA-specific education and support for individuals and their families is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Taylor-Rubin
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Level 3, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Speech Pathology, Uniting War Memorial Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District War Memorial Hospital, Waverley, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen Croot
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Level 3, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Brennan MacCallum Building, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Lyndsey Nickels
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Level 3, Australian Hearing Hub, 16 University Road, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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de Aguiar V, Rofes A, Wendt H, Ficek BN, Webster K, Tsapkini K. Treating lexical retrieval using letter fluency and tDCS in primary progressive aphasia: a single-case study. APHASIOLOGY 2021; 36:353-379. [PMID: 38765920 PMCID: PMC11101187 DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2021.1881432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Background In early stages, individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) report language symptoms while scoring within norm in formal language tests. Early intervention is important due to the progressive nature of the disease. Method We report a single case study of an individual with logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA). We tested whether letter fluency, used as a therapy task, can improve lexical retrieval when combined with tDCS to either the left inferior-frontal gyrus (IFG) or the left inferior parietal lobe (IPL), administered in two separate therapy phases separated by a wash-out period of three months. Outcomes and results We observed increases in number of words retrieved during a letter fluency task in trained and untrained letters, when letter fluency therapy (LeFT) was administered with anodal tDCS. When LeFT was combined with left IFG stimulation, words produced in a letter fluency task were lower frequency and higher age of acquisition after treatment, compared to before treatment and there was also an increase in accuracy and response times in an untrained picture-naming task. Conclusions The results indicate that letter fluency therapy combined anodal tDCS is effective in improving lexical retrieval, particularly when left IFG stimulation was used. Effects generalize beyond the trained task, albeit slowing down of responses in picture naming. This task may provide a useful clinical intervention strategy for patients with mild anomia, who are not challenged enough by traditional naming therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia de Aguiar
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen
| | - Adrià Rofes
- Center for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen
- Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Haley Wendt
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
| | | | - Kimberly Webster
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine
| | - Kyrana Tsapkini
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine
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17
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Ruggero L, Croot K, Nickels L. How Evidence-Based Practice (E 3BP) Informs Speech-Language Pathology for Primary Progressive Aphasia. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2020; 35:1533317520915365. [PMID: 32223422 PMCID: PMC10623930 DOI: 10.1177/1533317520915365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Amelioration of communication impairment in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is an area of clinical importance and current research. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have a range of skills and interventions to support communication in PPA; however, underrecognition of their role and low referral rates is an ongoing concern. The E3BP conceptualization of evidence-based practice comprises 3 components: research-based evidence, practice-based evidence, and informed patient preferences. Here, we will describe how evidence for managing the communication difficulties experienced by individuals with PPA exists at all 3 levels of the (E3BP) model, highlighting how this allows SLP interventions to be both evidence based and patient centered. We encourage health professionals to value and utilize the wide range of services that SLPs can offer when working with individuals with PPA, to educate, remediate everyday linguistic skills, increase daily participation, and maximize overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Ruggero
- Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Croot
- Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lyndsey Nickels
- Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Taylor-Rubin C, Azizi L, Croot K, Nickels L. Primary Progressive Aphasia Education and Support Groups: A Clinical Evaluation. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen 2020; 35:1533317519895638. [PMID: 32096652 PMCID: PMC10691435 DOI: 10.1177/1533317519895638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefits of a primary progressive aphasia (PPA) education and support session for people with PPA (pwPPA) and their caregivers. METHOD Thirty-eight individuals (20 pwPPA, 18 caregivers) were invited to participate in the study. Twenty-five individuals (12 pwPPA, 13 caregivers) completed questionnaires before and after an education and support group session provided by a speech pathologist and a clinical psychologist. Seven individuals (2 pwPPA, 5 caregivers) participated in follow-up interviews. RESULTS After one attendance, caregivers reported significant improvement in knowledge of PPA, strategies to manage worry and low mood, and opportunities to meet peers. Themes at interview were reduced feelings of isolation, increased feelings of support, increased knowledge of coping strategies, and improved understanding of PPA. Caregivers who had attended previous sessions reported increased feelings of well-being and support. IMPLICATIONS Primary progressive aphasia education and support group sessions in the postdiagnostic period constitute a valuable component of comprehensive care for PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Taylor-Rubin
- Speech Pathology Department, War Memorial Hospital, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and Its Disorders, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Azizi
- Psychology Department, War Memorial Hospital, Sydney, New South
Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Croot
- Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and Its Disorders, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia
| | - Lyndsey Nickels
- Department of Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and Its Disorders, Sydney, New
South Wales, Australia
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19
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Dopamine Acts via D2-Like Receptors to Modulate Auditory Responses in the Inferior Colliculus. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0350-19.2019. [PMID: 31548368 PMCID: PMC6791829 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0350-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to understand speech relies on accurate auditory processing of complex sounds. Individuals with Parkinson's disease suffer from speech perception deficits, suggesting that dopamine is involved in the encoding of complex sounds. Recent studies have demonstrated that dopamine has heterogeneous effects on the responses of many neurons in the inferior colliculus (IC) of mice, although the strongest effect is to suppress neural activity. However, it was previously unknown which dopamine receptors are involved in modulating neuronal responses, and whether the observed preponderance of depressive effects reflects the endogenous dopamine system in the IC. In this study, we tested whether dopamine acts via D1- and/or D2-like receptors to alter responses of IC neurons in female and male mice. We also tested the effect of optogenetically induced dopamine release on auditory responses in the IC. We found that the effects of dopamine in the IC occur via D2-like receptors. In iontophoretic and freely behaving experiments, the single-unit and multi-unit effects of dopamine and a D2-like agonist were heterogeneous as both either increased or decreased responses of IC neurons to tones, while a D2-like antagonist had opposite effects. We also found that optogenetic activation of the endogenous dopamine system in the IC alters responses of auditory neurons. Similar to the effects of exogenous dopamine application, optogenetic induction of endogenous dopamine release heterogeneously altered auditory responses in the majority of cells in mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). Understanding how dopamine modulates auditory processing will ultimately inform therapies targeting mechanisms underlying auditory-related communication disorders.
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20
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Kuring JK, Mathias JL, Ward L. Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and PTSD in People with Dementia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychol Rev 2018; 28:393-416. [PMID: 30536144 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-018-9396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There appears to be a link between depression/anxiety/PTSD and dementia, although the evidence is incomplete and the reason is unclear. Mental illness may cause dementia or may be prodromal or comorbid with dementia, or dementia may trigger a relapse of symptoms in individuals with a history of mental illness. This study examined the link between depression/anxiety/PTSD and dementia by evaluating the prevalence of these disorders in people with dementia, relative to their healthy peers. Existing meta-analyses have examined the prevalence of clinically-significant depression and anxiety in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and depression in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but have not considered vascular dementia (VaD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), PTSD, or anxiety in FTD. The current meta-analysis compared the prevalence of clinically-significant depression, anxiety and PTSD in the four most common types of dementia (AD, VaD, DLB, FTD) and in unspecified dementia to that of healthy controls (PROSPERO number: CRD42017082086). PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL database searches identified 120 eligible studies. Prevalence rates were calculated for depression and anxiety in AD, VaD, DLB, FTD, unspecified dementia, and controls. PTSD data were only available for unspecified dementia. Subgroup analyses indicated that depression, but not anxiety, was more prevalent in people with dementia compared to controls; however, the anxiety analyses were probably under-powered. The results support a link between depression and dementia; however, the link between anxiety or PTSD and dementia remains unclear due to insufficient data. Longitudinal data is now needed to clarify whether depression/anxiety/PTSD may be risk factors for dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Kuring
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - J L Mathias
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.
| | - L Ward
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
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21
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Midorikawa A, Kumfor F, Leyton CE, Foxe D, Landin-Romero R, Hodges JR, Piguet O. Characterisation of "Positive" Behaviours in Primary Progressive Aphasias. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2018; 44:119-128. [PMID: 28787730 DOI: 10.1159/000478852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Although some patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) exhibit novel or improved skills after the onset of dementia, these changes have yet to be quantified. Therefore, this study systematically explored and identified the emergence of positive behaviours after dementia onset. METHODS This study included 48 carers of patients with PPA: 12 nonfluent/agrammatic PPA (nfvPPA), 22 semantic variant PPA (svPPA), and 14 logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA). The presence and frequency of positive behaviour changes after dementia onset were established using the Hypersensory and Social/Emotional Scale (HSS). RESULTS Scores on Sensitivity to Details, Visuospatial Activities, and Music Activities differed significantly among the groups. More specifically, svPPA was associated with increased visuospatial activity, but only in the mild stage of the disease; nfvPPA was associated with increased visuospatial activity and decreased music activity, while lvPPA exhibited the reverse profile. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that subsets of PPA patients show novel or increased positive behaviours following dementia onset, and differences among subtypes may be helpful for improving diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, harnessing these skills may improve the quality of life of both patients and carers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Midorikawa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Chuo University, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Rogalski EJ, Khayum B. A Life Participation Approach to Primary Progressive Aphasia Intervention. Semin Speech Lang 2018; 39:284-296. [PMID: 29933494 PMCID: PMC6350508 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical neurodegenerative dementia syndrome characterized by deficits in spoken and written word retrieval, word usage, and/or word comprehension. Currently, there are no effective treatments to reverse or halt the underlying disease process; however, speech-language therapy may be helpful. The Communication Bridge Care Model was developed to address the unique communication and quality of life needs of individuals living with PPA. The core elements include person-centered care with dyadic instruction for disease education, and counseling, along with tailored levels of impairment- and compensatory-based communication strategy training. Our multicomponent approach incorporates guidance from the Life Participation Approach for Aphasia, including client-directed assessment and interventions that aim to maximize functional communication and participation in desired life activities. The direct and indirect use of technology is integrated into our tailored model of care to facilitate achievement of the client's functional goals. Here, we describe how to practically apply the Communication Bridge Care Model across treatment settings, including case examples from the Communication Bridge research study. This approach to care provides an opportunity to maximize communication effectiveness and quality of life for individuals living with PPA throughout the course of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Becky Khayum
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- MemoryCare Corporation, Aurora, Illinois
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23
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Morhardt DJ, O'Hara MC, Zachrich K, Wieneke C, Rogalski EJ. Development of a Psycho-Educational Support Program for Individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia and their Care-Partners. DEMENTIA 2017; 18:1310-1327. [PMID: 29149795 DOI: 10.1177/1471301217699675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia is a language-based dementia that initially spares other cognitive domains; however, aphasia interferes with many life roles such as work and interpersonal relationships. Psycho-educational programs, such as support groups have been shown to be effective for persons with Alzheimer's dementia; however, little is known regarding their effectiveness for persons with primary progressive aphasia. This paper describes the development of a program that offers support, education and activities for persons with primary progressive aphasia and their care-partners and its feasibility. Development and structure of pilot and formal intervention groups are described. Thematic analysis of both groups included the following themes: (1) coping with limitations and language decline; (2) dealing with increased dependency; (3) expressing resilience and making adaptations; (4) experiencing stigma (pilot group) and confronting stigma (intervention group); (5) experiencing self-confidence; and (6) feeling a sense of belonging. The knowledge gained from this process may be useful in designing programs for individuals with aphasic dementia and preserved insight. Evidence-based data from supportive interventions for persons with primary progressive aphasia and their care-partners are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby J Morhardt
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Mary C O'Hara
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Kristine Zachrich
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Christina Wieneke
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
| | - Emily J Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, USA
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24
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Cognitive and Affective Empathy Disruption in Non-Fluent Primary Progressive Aphasia Syndromes. BRAIN IMPAIR 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/brimp.2016.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Empathy involves being able to understand and respond to others’ emotional experiences. Whilst deficits in empathy have been observed in frontotemporal dementia, the extent to which empathy is disrupted in dementia syndromes with predominant language impairment remains unclear. The current study investigated cognitive and affective empathy in the two non-fluent primary progressive aphasia syndromes: progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) and logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA). Informants of 23 PNFA and 16 LPA patients completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), regarding patients’ capacity for empathy pre- and post-disease onset. Twenty-four healthy control participants completed the self-rated IRI for comparison of post-disease empathy capabilities. Within-group analyses revealed reduced cognitive empathy and increased personal distress in both patient groups. In addition, lowered affective empathy was reported in PNFA, with a similar trend observed in LPA. Interestingly, reduced affective empathy was associated with greater carer burden in LPA. Between-group analyses revealed reduced cognitive empathy in both patient groups relative to controls. The current study is the first to document empathy changes in PNFA and LPA, offering insight into the social cognitive deficits experienced in these syndromes. Future neuroimaging studies are needed to identify the underlying neural correlates and mechanisms driving empathy deficits in PNFA and LPA.
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Gómez-Tortosa E, Rigual R, Prieto-Jurczynska C, Mahillo-Fernández I, Guerrero-López R, Pérez-Pérez J, Sainz MJ. Behavioral Evolution of Progressive Semantic Aphasia in Comparison with Nonfluent Aphasia. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2016; 41:1-8. [PMID: 26426392 DOI: 10.1159/000439521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) usually develop significant behavioral disturbances with progression of the disease. We tested our clinical observation that development of disruptive agitation is more likely in semantic than in nonfluent PPA and examined which clinical variables could be associated with this behavior. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed neuropsychiatric scores and the need for behavioral treatments in semantic PPA (n = 41) and nonfluent PPA (n = 39) cases and compared first (1-3 years since the onset of symptoms) and last (5-13 years since the onset) evaluations. Clinical variables and laterality of temporal atrophy were associated with symptoms in semantic PPA cases. RESULTS The semantic PPA group developed more frequent (p = 0.03) and intense agitation (p = 0.0008) and had a greater need for antipsychotic drugs (p = 0.001) than the nonfluent PPA group. Presence of agitation was clearly associated with psychotic symptoms (delusions/hallucinations) but was not associated with gender, age at onset, duration of the disease, or laterality of temporal atrophy. In contrast, nonfluent PPA cases were more frequently depressed and treated with antidepressants (p = 0.0007). There were no differences in anxiety, irritability, apathy, perseverations, hyperorality, or abnormal motor behavior. CONCLUSIONS Semantic PPA in advanced disease is frequently associated with agitation and psychotic symptoms with fewer mood symptoms, while nonfluent PPA maintains a high prevalence of depression. This implies different treatment and care and support needs for each group.
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Chakrabarty T, Sepehry AA, Jacova C, Hsiung GYR. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in frontotemporal dementia: a meta-analysis. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2015; 39:257-71. [PMID: 25662033 DOI: 10.1159/000369882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is common in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia and is associated with poorer outcomes; however, less is known about the impact of depression on frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of diagnostic methods and the prevalence of depressive symptoms in FTD. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE and PsychINFO were queried for 'depression' and/or 'depressive mood' in behavioral- and language-variant FTD. The prevalence and diagnosis of depressive symptoms were extracted from relevant studies and the results pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS We included 29 studies in this meta-analysis, with sample sizes ranging from 3 to 73 (n = 870). The omnibus estimated event rate of depressed mood was 0.334 (33%; 95% CI: 0.268-0.407). Symptoms were most commonly assessed via standardized neuropsychiatric rating scales, with other methods including subjective caregiver reports and chart reviews. The study results were heterogeneous due to the variability in diagnostic methods. CONCLUSIONS Depressive symptoms similar to those in other dementias are commonly detected in FTD. However, the diagnostic methods are heterogeneous, and symptoms of depression often overlap with manifestations of FTD. Having a standardized diagnostic approach to depression in FTD will greatly facilitate future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Chakrabarty
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Morhardt D, Weintraub S, Khayum B, Robinson J, Medina J, O'Hara M, Mesulam M, Rogalski EJ. The CARE pathway model for dementia: psychosocial and rehabilitative strategies for care in young-onset dementias. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2015; 38:333-52. [PMID: 25998120 PMCID: PMC4635684 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2015.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the Care Pathway Model for Dementia (CARE-D) is to improve quality of life and daily functioning both for individuals diagnosed with dementia and for their families or other caregivers. This is accomplished by developing individualized recommendations focused on a person's strengths and weaknesses as determined by formal neurocognitive and psychosocial evaluations. Careful attention is given to the stage of illness and an individual's stage in life, to connecting families with services that target an individual's cognitive and behavioral symptoms, and to providing education and emotional support specific to symptoms, clinical diagnosis, and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby Morhardt
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 446 East Ontario, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Becky Khayum
- MemoryCare Corporation, 634 Brooklyn Drive, Aurora, IL 60502, USA
| | - Jaimie Robinson
- Christ Hospital Cancer Center, 2139 Auburn Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Jennifer Medina
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mary O'Hara
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marsel Mesulam
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emily J. Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA, Corresponding author.
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Gomoll BP, Kumar A. Managing anxiety associated with neurodegenerative disorders. F1000PRIME REPORTS 2015; 7:05. [PMID: 25705388 PMCID: PMC4311274 DOI: 10.12703/p7-05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety is a common symptom among patients with cognitive impairment. The presence of anxiety is correlated with poorer outcomes; despite this, there is limited research on anxiety related to neurodegenerative disorder. In this article, we discuss the prevalence of anxiety and factors involved in the etiology of anxiety in patients with diagnosed neurodegenerative disorders and related states of cognitive impairment as well as the evidence for currently available methods of evaluating and treating these symptoms. Specific treatments are highlighted in light of current evidence, followed by a discussion of the difficulties inherent in the study and treatment of anxiety in this population.
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Singh TD, Duffy JR, Strand EA, Machulda MM, Whitwell JL, Josephs KA. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in primary progressive aphasia and apraxia of speech. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2015; 39:228-38. [PMID: 25613190 PMCID: PMC4464666 DOI: 10.1159/000369062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To conduct a prospective analysis of the neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) across the three categories of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and progressive apraxia of speech (PAOS), compare the prevalence and nature of the symptoms, and look at which symptoms could be helpful to better differentiate these PPA and PAOS categories. METHODS A total of 106 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of semantic variant (n = 13), logopenic variant (n = 37), agrammatic variant (n = 15) or PAOS (n = 41) were included in this prospective study. The NPS were measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire. RESULTS There were 65 patients with PPA and 41 with PAOS diagnosis. The most distinguishing features between the two groups were anxiety, apathy, aberrant motor behavior and appetite, while among the subtypes of PPA they were disinhibition and appetite changes. PPA and PAOS patients initially exhibited depression, but with increased disease duration, PAOS patients showed apathy (55.5%) while PPA patients showed disinhibition (28.6%) and aberrant motor behavior (14.3%). CONCLUSION Mood symptoms like anxiety and appetite changes are more likely to be present at initial stages of PPA, whereas behavioral symptoms like aberrant motor behavior and apathy are likely to occur early in PAOS. The NPS seem to evolve with the progression of the disease in both PPA and PAOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun D. Singh
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Joseph R Duffy
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Mary M. Machulda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Mesulam MM, Rogalski EJ, Wieneke C, Hurley RS, Geula C, Bigio EH, Thompson CK, Weintraub S. Primary progressive aphasia and the evolving neurology of the language network. Nat Rev Neurol 2014; 10:554-69. [PMID: 25179257 PMCID: PMC4201050 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2014.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is caused by selective neurodegeneration of the language-dominant cerebral hemisphere; a language deficit initially arises as the only consequential impairment and remains predominant throughout most of the course of the disease. Agrammatic, logopenic and semantic subtypes, each reflecting a characteristic pattern of language impairment and corresponding anatomical distribution of cortical atrophy, represent the most frequent presentations of PPA. Such associations between clinical features and the sites of atrophy have provided new insights into the neurology of fluency, grammar, word retrieval, and word comprehension, and have necessitated modification of concepts related to the functions of the anterior temporal lobe and Wernicke's area. The underlying neuropathology of PPA is, most commonly, frontotemporal lobar degeneration in the agrammatic and semantic forms, and Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology in the logopenic form; the AD pathology often displays atypical and asymmetrical anatomical features consistent with the aphasic phenotype. The PPA syndrome reflects complex interactions between disease-specific neuropathological features and patient-specific vulnerability. A better understanding of these interactions might help us to elucidate the biology of the language network and the principles of selective vulnerability in neurodegenerative diseases. We review these aspects of PPA, focusing on advances in our understanding of the clinical features and neuropathology of PPA and what they have taught us about the neural substrates of the language network.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-Marsel Mesulam
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Centre, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building, 11-450, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Emily J Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Centre, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building, 11-450, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Christina Wieneke
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Centre, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building, 11-450, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Robert S Hurley
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Centre, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building, 11-450, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Changiz Geula
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Centre, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building, 11-450, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Eileen H Bigio
- Department of Neuropathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 710 North Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Cynthia K Thompson
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Centre, 320 East Superior Street, Searle Building, 11-450, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Dillon C, Serrano CM, Castro D, Leguizamón PP, Heisecke SL, Taragano FE. Behavioral symptoms related to cognitive impairment. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2013; 9:1443-55. [PMID: 24092982 PMCID: PMC3788702 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s47133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are core features of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. On one hand, behavioral symptoms in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can indicate an increased risk of progressing to dementia. On the other hand, mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in patients who usually have normal cognition indicates an increased risk of developing dementia. Whatever the cause, all dementias carry a high rate of NPI. These symptoms can be observed at any stage of the disease, may fluctuate over its course, are a leading cause of stress and overload for caregivers, and increase rates of hospitalization and early institutionalization for patients with dementia. The clinician should be able to promptly recognize NPI through the use of instruments capable of measuring their frequency and severity to support diagnosis, and to help monitor the treatment of behavioral symptoms. The aims of this review are to describe and update the construct 'MBI' and to revise the reported NPS related to prodromal stages of dementia (MCI and MBI) and dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Dillon
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
| | - Cecilia M Serrano
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
| | - Diego Castro
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
| | | | - Silvina L Heisecke
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
- CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Técnicas), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando E Taragano
- CeMiC (Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas) University Institute, Argentina
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Savage SA, Ballard KJ, Piguet O, Hodges JR. Bringing words back to mind – Improving word production in semantic dementia. Cortex 2013; 49:1823-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2012.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Modirrousta M, Price BH, Dickerson BC. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in primary progressive aphasia: phenomenology, pathophysiology, and approach to assessment and treatment. Neurodegener Dis Manag 2013; 3:133-146. [PMID: 23997827 DOI: 10.2217/nmt.13.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by insidious and progressive loss of language. Current diagnostic criteria require symptoms to be largely restricted to language dysfunction for at least the first 2 years of the syndrome. However, as the disorder progresses - and sometimes even in the early stages - patients with PPA may exhibit neuropsychiatric symptoms. In this article, we review the phenomenology and frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms in PPA. Among the few studies of this topic that have been performed, there is consistent agreement that neuropsychiatric symptoms are not uncommon among PPA patients. In some cases, particularly the semantic variant of PPA, symptoms are similar to those found in the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. We further review the approach to assessment of behavioral symptoms in PPA and their possible management strategies, and speculate regarding their potential neurobiological substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Modirrousta
- Frontotemporal Disorders Unit & Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, MA, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Abstract
The non-fluent/agrammatic variant of primary progressive aphasia (naPPA) is a young-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterised by poor grammatical comprehension and expression and a disorder of speech sound production. In an era of disease-modifying treatments, the identification of naPPA might be an important step in establishing a specific cause of neurodegenerative disease. However, difficulties in defining the characteristic language deficits and heterogeneity in the anatomical distribution of disease in naPPA have led to controversy. Findings from imaging studies have linked an impairment of this uniquely human language capacity with disruption of large-scale neural networks centred in left inferior frontal and anterior superior temporal regions. Accordingly, the pathological burden of disease in naPPA is anatomically focused in these regions. Most cases of naPPA are associated with the spectrum of pathological changes found in frontotemporal lobar degeneration involving the microtubule-associated protein tau. Knowledge of these unique clinical-pathological associations should advance care for patients with this important class of neurodegenerative diseases while supplementing our knowledge of human cognitive neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Grossman
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283, USA.
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Khayum B, Wieneke C, Rogalski E, Robinson J, O'Hara M. Thinking Outside the Stroke: Treating Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 17:37-49. [PMID: 26500714 DOI: 10.1044/gero17.2.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we explore the symptoms, cause, treatment potential, and supportive services for individuals diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Although it is possible to regain certain cognitive abilities with stroke or brain injury, in PPA, language abilities worsen and other symptoms emerge with time, shortening the lifespan. The goal of speech therapy for PPA is not to regain lost language, but rather to maximize communication for as long as possible. In this article, we offer information and tools for speech-language pathologists to help people living with PPA achieve these goals and improve overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky Khayum
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Chicago, IL
| | - Christina Wieneke
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Chicago, IL
| | - Emily Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Chicago, IL
| | - Jaimie Robinson
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Chicago, IL
| | - Mary O'Hara
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Northwestern University Chicago, IL
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Mesulam MM, Wieneke C, Thompson C, Rogalski E, Weintraub S. Quantitative classification of primary progressive aphasia at early and mild impairment stages. Brain 2012; 135:1537-53. [PMID: 22525158 DOI: 10.1093/brain/aws080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The characteristics of early and mild disease in primary progressive aphasia are poorly understood. This report is based on 25 patients with aphasia quotients >85%, 13 of whom were within 2 years of symptom onset. Word-finding and spelling deficits were the most frequent initial signs. Diagnostic imaging was frequently negative and initial consultations seldom reached a correct diagnosis. Functionality was preserved, so that the patients fit current criteria for single-domain mild cognitive impairment. One goal was to determine whether recently published classification guidelines could be implemented at these early and mild disease stages. The quantitative testing of the recommended core and ancillary criteria led to the classification of ∼80% of the sample into agrammatic, logopenic and semantic variants. Biological validity of the resultant classification at these mild impairment stages was demonstrated by clinically concordant cortical atrophy patterns. A two-dimensional template based on orthogonal mapping of word comprehension and grammaticality provided comparable accuracy and led to a flexible road map that can guide the classification process quantitatively or qualitatively. Longitudinal evaluations of initially unclassifiable patients showed that the semantic variant can be preceded by a prodromal stage of focal left anterior temporal atrophy during which prominent anomia exists without word comprehension or object recognition impairments. Patterns of quantitative tests justified the distinction of grammar from speech abnormalities and the desirability of using the 'agrammatic' designation exclusively for loss of grammaticality, regardless of fluency or speech status. Two patients with simultaneous impairments of grammatical sentence production and word comprehension displayed focal atrophy of the inferior frontal gyrus and the anterior temporal lobe. These patients represent a fourth variant of 'mixed' primary progressive aphasia. Quantitative criteria were least effective in the distinction of the agrammatic from the logopenic variant and left considerable latitude to clinical judgement. The widely followed recommendation to wait for 2 years of relatively isolated and progressive language impairment before making a definitive diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia has promoted diagnostic specificity, but has also diverted attention away from early and mild disease. This study shows that this recommendation is unnecessarily restrictive and that quantitative guidelines can be implemented for the valid root diagnosis and subtyping of mildly impaired patients within 2 years of symptom onset. An emphasis on early diagnosis will promote a better characterization of the disease stages where therapeutic interventions are the most likely to succeed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-Marsel Mesulam
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Centre, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Etcheverry L, Seidel B, Grande M, Schulte S, Pieperhoff P, Südmeyer M, Minnerop M, Binkofski F, Huber W, Grodzinsky Y, Amunts K, Heim S. The time course of neurolinguistic and neuropsychological symptoms in three cases of logopenic primary progressive aphasia. Neuropsychologia 2012; 50:1708-18. [PMID: 22484080 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a rare clinical dementia syndrome affecting predominantly language abilities. Word-finding difficulties and comprehension deficits despite relatively preserved cognitive functions are characteristic symptoms during the first two years, and distinguish PPA from other dementia types like Alzheimer's disease. However, the dynamics of changes in language and non-linguistic abilities are not well understood. Most studies on progression used cross-sectional designs, which provide only limited insight into the course of the disease. Here we report the results of a longitudinal study in three cases of logopenic PPA over a period of 18 months, with exemplary longitudinal data from one patient even over 46 months. A comprehensive battery of neurolinguistic and neuropsychological tests was applied four times at intervals of six months. Over this period, deterioration of verbal abilities such as picture naming, story retelling, and semantic word recall was found, and the individual decline was quantified and compared between the three patients. Furthermore, decrease in non-verbal skills such as divided attention and increasing apraxia was observed in all three patients. In addition, inter-subject variability in the progression with different focuses was observed, with one patient developing a non-fluent PPA variant. The longitudinal, multivariate investigation of logopenic PPA thus provides novel insights into the progressive deterioration of verbal as well as non-verbal abilities. These deficits may further interact and thus form a multi-causal basis for the patients' problems in every-day life which need to be considered when planning individually targeted intervention in PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Etcheverry
- Research Centre Jülich, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1, INM-2), Jülich, Germany
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Banks SJ, Weintraub S. Generalized and symptom-specific insight in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2009; 21:299-306. [PMID: 19776310 PMCID: PMC2957481 DOI: 10.1176/jnp.2009.21.3.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) are related dementias with different presenting symptoms but with increasing symptom overlap as they progress. Loss of insight is associated with early behavioral variant FTD, but not PPA. This study used the Frontal Behavioral Inventory to compare patient and caregiver concepts of symptom presence and severity. Patients with behavioral variant FTD were found to have worse insight overall than PPA patients. However, the PPA group showed reduced insight into behavioral symptoms, and the behavioral variant FTD groups had intact insight into some language symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Banks
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, 3801 University St., Montreal Quebec H3A 2B4 Canada.
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40
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2008; 21:651-9. [PMID: 18852576 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0b013e3283130fb7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Banks SJ, Weintraub S. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2008; 21:133-41. [PMID: 18474722 PMCID: PMC2892801 DOI: 10.1177/0891988708316856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are well defined in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia but are not as well studied in primary progressive aphasia. This study compared caregiver reported neuropsychiatric symptoms in these 2 forms of dementia at short and long disease duration. Patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia had more symptoms than patients with primary progressive aphasia. However, when divided by duration of disease, patients with primary progressive aphasia with long duration had a similar number of symptoms to patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia at either duration. Furthermore, this group of patients with primary progressive aphasia had more symptoms typical of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and less mood-related symptoms which were more common in patients with primary progressive aphasia with shorter duration. This study illustrates the emergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms as primary progressive aphasia progresses and highlights the increasing overlap with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia because the disease affects areas outside of the language network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Banks
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Neuropsychology Institute, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Sandra Weintraub
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Neuropsychology Institute, Montreal, Quebec
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Banks S, Weintraub S. Self-awareness and self-monitoring of cognitive and behavioral deficits in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia and probable Alzheimer's disease. Brain Cogn 2008; 67:58-68. [PMID: 18194832 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2007.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2007] [Revised: 11/20/2007] [Accepted: 11/21/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Lack of insight is a core diagnostic criterion for behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), and is believed to be intact in the early stages of primary progressive aphasia (PPA). In other neurological conditions, symptom-specific insight has been noted, with behavioral symptoms appearing especially vulnerable to reduced insight. Different components of insight, self-awareness and self-monitoring, are also often considered separate phenomena. The current study compared insight in patients with PPA, bvFTD, and probable Alzheimer's disease (PrAD) and a group of cognitively intact control subjects. Additionally, differences in insight for the domains primarily affected by the three types of dementia, namely, Behavior, Naming, and Memory, were assessed, and self-awareness and self-monitoring were compared. A total of 55 participants were enrolled. Participants were asked to complete self-estimate scales demonstrating their perceived ability immediately prior to, and immediately following a test in each domain of interest. Results indicated that PPA and normal control groups performed very similarly on control (Weight and Eyesight) and cognitive domains, whereas bvFTD and PrAD patients were unable to accurately assess Memory. All three diagnostic groups failed to accurately assess their behavioral symptoms, suggesting that this domain is vulnerable to loss of insight across diagnoses. Naming ability, in contrast, was either accurately assessed or underestimated in all groups. Finally, there were no notable differences between self-awareness and self-monitoring, potential explanations for this are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Banks
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disease of insidious onset presenting with progressive isolated loss of language function, without significant impairment in other cognitive domains. Current diagnostic criteria require the language dysfunction to remain isolated for at least two years, and to remain the salient feature as the disease progresses, usually to involve other domains such as behavior, executive functions, and judgment. Although PPA in its early stages can usually be differentiated from probable Alzheimer's disease (PRAD) and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal lobar degeneration by the absence of significant changes in memory and behavior, and the preservation of activities daily living, progression of the disease often leads to deficits more consistent with the latter. Underlying etiologies remain heterogeneous: the neuropathological characteristics associated with frontotemporal lobar degeneration, cortocobasal degeneration, and motor neuron disease are usually found. There is a strong genetic susceptibility with affliction of first-degree relatives with similar disease in up to 40 to 50% in some series. Pathogenic mutations in genes coding for the proteins tau and progranulin have been isolated. These are leading to a better understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms and hopefully targeted disease-modifying therapy. Current therapy is limited to improving mood symptoms and targeting behavior changes as they develop. Referral to specialized centers where speech therapy, counseling, and education for both patient and caregiver are available may be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C Léger
- Neurology Service, Hôtel-Dieu du Centre Hospitalier de l'Univertité de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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44
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Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by a relentless dissolution of language but relative sparing of other cognitive domains during the initial stages of the disease. Substantial progress has been made in understanding the clinical characteristics, imaging, genetics, and neuropathology of this syndrome. This article reviews the clinical criteria for diagnosing primary progressive aphasia and some of the more recent research advances in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Rogalski
- Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center and Department of Neurology, Northwestern University, 320 E. Superior Street, Searle Building 11-453, Chicago, IL 60657, USA.
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