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Mulroy E, Core LB, Chokesuwattanaskul A, Johnson JC, Fletcher PD, Marshall CR, Volkmer A, Rohrer JD, Hardy CJ, Rossor MN, Warren JD. Binary reversals: a diagnostic sign in primary progressive aphasia. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2024; 95:477-480. [PMID: 38071563 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2023-331662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Binary reversals (exemplified by 'yes'/'no' confusions) have been described in patients with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) but their diagnostic value and phenotypic correlates have not been defined. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study analysing demographic, clinical, neuropsychological, linguistic and behavioural data from patients representing all major PPA syndromes (non-fluent/agrammatic variant, nfvPPA; logopenic variant, lvPPA; semantic variant, svPPA) and behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). The prevalence of binary reversals and behavioural abnormalities, illness duration, parkinsonian features and neuropsychological test scores were compared between neurodegenerative syndromes, and the diagnostic predictive value of binary reversals was assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS Data were obtained for 83 patients (21 nfvPPA, 13 lvPPA, 22 svPPA, 27 bvFTD). Binary reversals occurred in all patients with nfvPPA, but significantly less frequently and later in lvPPA (54%), svPPA (9%) and bvFTD (44%). Patients with bvFTD with binary reversals had significantly more severe language (but not general executive or behavioural) deficits than those without reversals. Controlling for potentially confounding variables, binary reversals strongly predicted a diagnosis of nfvPPA over other syndromes. CONCLUSIONS Binary reversals are a sensitive (though not specific) neurolinguistic feature of nfvPPA, and should suggest this diagnosis if present as a prominent early symptom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin Mulroy
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy B Core
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anthipa Chokesuwattanaskul
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cognitive Clinical and Computational Neuroscience Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jeremy Cs Johnson
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Phillip D Fletcher
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Charles R Marshall
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Jd Hardy
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Martin N Rossor
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Swift IJ, Sjödin S, Gobom J, Brinkmalm A, Blennow K, Zetterberg H, Rohrer JD, Sogorb-Esteve A. Differential patterns of lysosomal dysfunction are seen in the clinicopathological forms of primary progressive aphasia. J Neurol 2024; 271:1277-1285. [PMID: 37917233 PMCID: PMC10896779 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12063-9] [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] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates endo-lysosomal dysfunction in frontotemporal dementia (FTD). 18 proteins were quantified using a mass spectrometry assay panel in the cerebrospinal fluid of 36 people with the language variant of FTD, primary progressive aphasia (PPA) (including 13 with non-fluent variant (nfvPPA), 11 with semantic variant (svPPA), and 12 with logopenic variant (lvPPA)) and 19 healthy controls. The concentrations of the cathepsins (B, D, F, L1, and Z) as well as AP-2 complex subunit beta, ganglioside GM2 activator, beta-hexosaminidase subunit beta, tissue alpha L-fucosidase, and ubiquitin were decreased in nfvPPA compared with controls. In contrast, the concentrations of amyloid beta A4 protein, cathepsin Z, and dipeptidyl peptidase 2 were decreased in svPPA compared with controls. No proteins were abnormal in lvPPA. These results indicate a differential alteration of lysosomal proteins in the PPA variants, suggesting those with non-Alzheimer's pathologies are more likely to show abnormal lysosomal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen J Swift
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon Sjödin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Johan Gobom
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Ann Brinkmalm
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Aitana Sogorb-Esteve
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Belder CRS, Marshall CR, Jiang J, Mazzeo S, Chokesuwattanaskul A, Rohrer JD, Volkmer A, Hardy CJD, Warren JD. Primary progressive aphasia: six questions in search of an answer. J Neurol 2024; 271:1028-1046. [PMID: 37906327 PMCID: PMC10827918 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12030-4] [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] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Here, we review recent progress in the diagnosis and management of primary progressive aphasia-the language-led dementias. We pose six key unanswered questions that challenge current assumptions and highlight the unresolved difficulties that surround these diseases. How many syndromes of primary progressive aphasia are there-and is syndromic diagnosis even useful? Are these truly 'language-led' dementias? How can we diagnose (and track) primary progressive aphasia better? Can brain pathology be predicted in these diseases? What is their core pathophysiology? In addition, how can primary progressive aphasia best be treated? We propose that pathophysiological mechanisms linking proteinopathies to phenotypes may help resolve the clinical complexity of primary progressive aphasia, and may suggest novel diagnostic tools and markers and guide the deployment of effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R S Belder
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charles R Marshall
- Preventive Neurology Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Jiang
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Salvatore Mazzeo
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Anthipa Chokesuwattanaskul
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
- Cognitive Clinical and Computational Neuroscience Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Chris J D Hardy
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, 8 - 11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Aiello EN, Feroldi S, De Luca G, Guidotti L, Arrigoni E, Appollonio I, Solca F, Carelli L, Poletti B, Verde F, Silani V, Ticozzi N. Primary progressive aphasia and motor neuron disease: A review. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1003792. [PMID: 36158556 PMCID: PMC9492890 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1003792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aims at reviewing, within the framework of motor neuron disease-frontotemporal degeneration (MND-FTD)-spectrum disorders, evidence on the co-occurrence between primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and MND in order to profile such a complex at pathological, genetic and clinical levels. Methods This review was pre-registered (osf.io/ds8m4) and performed in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Case reports/series and group studies were included if addressing (1) progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) or semantic dementia (SD) with MND or (2) MND patients with co-morbid PNFA/SD. Results Out of 546 initial records, 56 studies were included. As to case reports/series (N = 35), which included 61 PPA-MND patients, the following findings yielded: (1) PNFA is more frequent than SD in PPA-MND; (2) in PPA-MND, the most prevalent motor phenotypes are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and predominant-upper MND, with bulbar involvement being ubiquitous; (3) extrapyramidal features are moderately frequent in PPA-MND; (4) PPA-MND patients usually display frontotemporal, left-greater-than-right involvement; (5) TDP-43-B is the typical pathological substrate of PPA-MND; (6) TBK1 mutations represent the most frequent genetic risk factors for PPA-MND. As to group studies, including 121 patients, proportional meta-analytic procedures revealed that: (1) the lifetime prevalence of MND in PPA is 6%; (2) PPA occurs in 19% of patients with co-morbid MND and FTD; (3) MND is more frequent in PNFA (10%) than in SD patients (3%). Discussion Insights herewith delivered into the clinical, neuropathological and genetic features of PPA-MND patients prompt further investigations aimed at improving clinical practice within the MND-FTD spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Nicolò Aiello
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- *Correspondence: Edoardo Nicolò Aiello,
| | - Sarah Feroldi
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia De Luca
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucilla Guidotti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Arrigoni
- Ph.D. Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Appollonio
- Neurology Section, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Solca
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Carelli
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Verde
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Silani
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Sogorb-Esteve A, Swift IJ, Woollacott IOC, Warren JD, Zetterberg H, Rohrer JD. Differential chemokine alteration in the variants of primary progressive aphasia-a role for neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:224. [PMID: 34602080 PMCID: PMC8489077 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02247-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary progressive aphasias (PPA) represent a group of usually sporadic neurodegenerative disorders with three main variants: the nonfluent or agrammatic variant (nfvPPA), the semantic variant (svPPA), and the logopenic variant (lvPPA). They are usually associated with a specific underlying pathology: nfvPPA with a primary tauopathy, svPPA with a TDP-43 proteinopathy, and lvPPA with underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD). Little is known about their cause or pathophysiology, but prior studies in both AD and svPPA have suggested a role for neuroinflammation. In this study, we set out to investigate the role of chemokines across the PPA spectrum, with a primary focus on central changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) METHODS: Thirty-six participants with sporadic PPA (11 svPPA, 13 nfvPPA, and 12 lvPPA) as well as 19 healthy controls were recruited to the study and donated CSF and plasma samples. All patients with lvPPA had a tau/Aβ42 biomarker profile consistent with AD, whilst this was normal in the other PPA groups and controls. We assessed twenty chemokines in CSF and plasma using Proximity Extension Assay technology: CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL3 (MIP-1a), CCL4 (MIP-1β), CCL7 (MCP-3), CCL8 (MCP-2), CCL11 (eotaxin), CCL13 (MCP-4), CCL19, CCL20, CCL23, CCL25, CCL28, CX3CL1 (fractalkine), CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8 (IL-8), CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11. RESULTS In CSF, CCL19 and CXCL6 were decreased in both svPPA and nfvPPA compared with controls whilst CXCL5 was decreased in the nfvPPA group with a borderline significant decrease in the svPPA group. In contrast, CCL2, CCL3 and CX3CL1 were increased in lvPPA compared with controls and nfvPPA (and greater than svPPA for CX3CL1). CXCL1 was also increased in lvPPA compared with nfvPPA but not the other groups. CX3CL1 was significantly correlated with CSF total tau concentrations in the controls and each of the PPA groups. Fewer significant differences were seen between groups in plasma, although in general, results were in the opposite direction to CSF, i.e. decreased in lvPPA compared with controls (CCL3 and CCL19), and increased in svPPA (CCL8) and nfvPPA (CCL13). CONCLUSION Differential alteration of chemokines across the PPA variants is seen in both CSF and plasma. Importantly, these results suggest a role for neuroinflammation in these poorly understood sporadic disorders, and therefore also a potential future therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitana Sogorb-Esteve
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Imogen J Swift
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ione O C Woollacott
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Ulugut H, Stek S, Wagemans LEE, Jutten RJ, Keulen MA, Bouwman FH, Prins ND, Lemstra AW, Krudop W, Teunissen CE, van Berckel BNM, Ossenkoppele R, Barkhof F, van der Flier WM, Scheltens P, Pijnenburg YAL. The natural history of primary progressive aphasia: beyond aphasia. J Neurol 2021; 269:1375-1385. [PMID: 34216263 PMCID: PMC8857134 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10689-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is divided into three prototypical subtypes that are all characterized by their single core symptom of aphasia. Although later in their course, other cognitive, behavioral, and motor domains may become involved, little is known about the progression profile of each subtype relative to the other subtypes. METHODS In this longitudinal retrospective cohort study, based on the recent biomarker-supported diagnostic criteria, 24 subjects diagnosed with semantic variant (svPPA), 22 with non-fluent variant (nfvPPA), and 18 with logopenic variant (lvPPA) were collected and followed up for 1-6 years. Symptom distribution, cognitive test and neuropsychiatric inventory scores, and progression into another syndrome were assessed. RESULTS Over time, lvPPA progressed with broader language problems (PPA-extended) and nfvPPA progressed to mutism, whereas semantic impairment remained the major problem in svPPA. Apart from linguistic problems, svPPA developed pronounced behavioral disturbances, whereas lvPPA exhibited a greater cognitive decline. By contrast, in nfvPPA motor deficits were more common. Furthermore, within 5 years (IQR = 2.5) after clinical onset, 65.6% of the patients additionally fulfilled the clinical criteria for another neurodegenerative syndrome (PPA-plus). Fourteen out of 24 (58%) svPPA patients additionally met the diagnostic criteria of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (5.1 years, IQR = 1.1), whereas the clinical features of 15/18 (83%) lvPPA patients were consistent with Alzheimer disease dementia (4.5 years IQR = 3.4). Furthermore, 12/22 (54%) of the subjects with the nfvPPA progressed to meet the diagnostic criteria of corticobasal syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy, or motor neuron disease (5.1 years IQR = 3.4). DISCUSSION Despite aphasia being the initial and unique hallmark of the syndrome, our longitudinal results showed that PPA is not a language limited disorder and progression differs widely for each subtype, both with respect to the nature of symptoms and disease duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hulya Ulugut
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Simone Stek
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne E E Wagemans
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roos J Jutten
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Antoinette Keulen
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke H Bouwman
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niels D Prins
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Afina W Lemstra
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Welmoed Krudop
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Charlotte E Teunissen
- Neurological Laboratory Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart N M van Berckel
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Ossenkoppele
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Clinical Memory Research Unit, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Frederik Barkhof
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- UCL Institutes of Neurology and Healthcare Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Wiesje M van der Flier
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolande A L Pijnenburg
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, De Boelelaan 1118, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Sasaki S. A Case of Logopenic Variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia with Parkinsonism and Anosmia. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2020; 4:61-66. [PMID: 32328564 PMCID: PMC7175926 DOI: 10.3233/adr-190158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A 69-year-old right-handed woman developed difficulty naming objects and word-finding. The clinical features of language disorder and predominant atrophy on MRI and predominant hypoperfusion on 123I-IMP SPECT in the left temporo-parietal junction area were consistent with the diagnostic criteria for the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA). Neurological examination showed slight right-side rigidity and resting tremor (UPDRS-III: 4). 123I-FP-CIT SPECT showed presynaptic dopamine transporter reduction in the posterior putamina with left-side predominance. The odor-stick identification test for Japanese exhibited complete loss of the sense of smell (anosmia). These findings suggest that lvPPA may be accompanied by parkinsonism and anosmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Sasaki
- Department of Neurology, Agano City Hospital, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Toyosaka Hospital, Niigata, Japan
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8
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Adams-Carr KL, Bocchetta M, Neason M, Holton JL, Lashley T, Warren JD, Rohrer JD. A case of TDP-43 type C pathology presenting as nonfluent variant primary progressive aphasia. Neurocase 2020; 26:1-6. [PMID: 31747857 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2019.1690665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of rapidly progressive nonfluent variant PPA (nfvPPA), age at onset 77 years old and disease duration 3.3 years, who came to post mortem and was found to have TDP-43 type C pathology, an unusual finding for nfvPPA. All prior TDP-43 type C cases from the UCL FTD cohort (n=25) had a semantic variant PPA (svPPA) phenotype, with all having a younger age at onset and longer disease duration than the nfvPPA case. Volumetric analysis of MRI from the nfvPPA case, twelve of the svPPA cases and ten age-matched controls was performed. Whilst left frontal and insular volumes were lower in the nfvPPA case compared with svPPA, cortical and medial temporal lobe volumes were lower (particularly on the right) in the svPPA group compared with the nfvPPA patient. Such anatomical involvement is likely to be consistent with the presence of a nonfluent aphasia (left frontal lobe and insula), and only mild semantic deficit early in the illness (left but not right temporal lobe). Such unique cases add to the heterogeneity of the FTD spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martina Bocchetta
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Mollie Neason
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Janice L Holton
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Tammaryn Lashley
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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9
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Hodges JR, Piguet O. Progress and Challenges in Frontotemporal Dementia Research: A 20-Year Review. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 62:1467-1480. [PMID: 29504536 PMCID: PMC5870022 DOI: 10.3233/jad-171087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The landscape of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has evolved remarkably in recent years and is barely recognizable from two decades ago. Knowledge of the clinical phenomenology, cognition, neuroimaging, genetics, pathology of the different subtypes of FTD, and their relations to other neurodegenerative conditions, has increased rapidly, due in part, to the growing interests into these neurodegenerative brain conditions. This article reviews the major advances in the field of FTD over the past 20 years, focusing primarily on the work of Frontier, the frontotemporal dementia clinical research group, based in Sydney, Australia. Topics covered include clinical presentations (cognition, behavior, neuroimaging), pathology, genetics, and disease progression, as well as interventions and carer directed research. This review demonstrates the improvement in diagnostic accuracy and capacity to provide advice on genetic risks, prognosis, and outcome. The next major challenge will be to capitalize on these research findings to develop effective disease modifying drugs, which are currently lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Hodges
- The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School and Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Sydney, Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Sydney, Australia.,The University of Sydney, School of Psychology, and Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, Australia
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10
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18F-THK5351 PET Imaging in Nonfluent-Agrammatic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia. Dement Neurocogn Disord 2018; 17:110-119. [PMID: 30906400 PMCID: PMC6428011 DOI: 10.12779/dnd.2018.17.3.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose To analyze 18F-THK5351 positron emission tomography (PET) scans of patients with clinically diagnosed nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia (navPPA). Methods Thirty-one participants, including those with Alzheimer's disease (AD, n=13), navPPA (n=3), and those with normal control (NC, n=15) who completed 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, 18F-THK5351 PET scans, and detailed neuropsychological tests, were included. Voxel-based and region of interest (ROI)-based analyses were performed to evaluate retention of 18F-THK5351 in navPPA patients. Results In ROI-based analysis, patients with navPPA had higher levels of THK retention in the Broca's area, bilateral inferior frontal lobes, bilateral precentral gyri, and bilateral basal ganglia. Patients with navPPA showed higher levels of THK retention in bilateral frontal lobes (mainly left side) compared than NC in voxel-wise analysis. Conclusions In our study, THK retention in navPPA patients was mainly distributed at the frontal region which was well correlated with functional-radiological distribution of navPPA. Our results suggest that tau PET imaging could be a supportive tool for diagnosis of navPPA in combination with a clinical history.
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11
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Marshall CR, Hardy CJD, Volkmer A, Russell LL, Bond RL, Fletcher PD, Clark CN, Mummery CJ, Schott JM, Rossor MN, Fox NC, Crutch SJ, Rohrer JD, Warren JD. Primary progressive aphasia: a clinical approach. J Neurol 2018; 265:1474-1490. [PMID: 29392464 PMCID: PMC5990560 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-018-8762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The primary progressive aphasias are a heterogeneous group of focal 'language-led' dementias that pose substantial challenges for diagnosis and management. Here we present a clinical approach to the progressive aphasias, based on our experience of these disorders and directed at non-specialists. We first outline a framework for assessing language, tailored to the common presentations of progressive aphasia. We then consider the defining features of the canonical progressive nonfluent, semantic and logopenic aphasic syndromes, including 'clinical pearls' that we have found diagnostically useful and neuroanatomical and other key associations of each syndrome. We review potential diagnostic pitfalls and problematic presentations not well captured by conventional classifications and propose a diagnostic 'roadmap'. After outlining principles of management, we conclude with a prospect for future progress in these diseases, emphasising generic information processing deficits and novel pathophysiological biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles R Marshall
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Chris J D Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anna Volkmer
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy L Russell
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rebecca L Bond
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Phillip D Fletcher
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Camilla N Clark
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Catherine J Mummery
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jonathan M Schott
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Martin N Rossor
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sebastian J Crutch
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jason D Warren
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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12
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Burrell JR, Hodges JR. Falls in frontotemporal dementia and related syndromes. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 159:195-203. [PMID: 30482314 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63916-5.00012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related diseases are important causes of younger-onset dementia. Falls may be a source of morbidity and mortality in FTD, but remain underreported, and very few high-quality studies have been performed. In this chapter, we briefly review the clinical features of FTD and related syndromes such as motor neuron disease (MND) and atypical parkinsonian syndromes, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). Falls are frequently encountered in patients who present with FTD syndromes. Although cognitive impairment is associated with falls generally, motor symptoms and signs, as seen in FTD cases that overlap with atypical parkinsonian disorders such as PSP or CBS, or MND, appear to pose the greatest risk. At present, very few systematic studies have been performed to determine the precise frequency, timing, diagnostic implications, and complications of falls in FTD. Further studies are required to understand the scope of this problem, and to develop effective treatments and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Burrell
- Concord Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney Medical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - John R Hodges
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney Medical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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13
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Woollacott IOC, Rohrer JD. The clinical spectrum of sporadic and familial forms of frontotemporal dementia. J Neurochem 2016; 138 Suppl 1:6-31. [PMID: 27144467 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The term frontotemporal dementia (FTD) describes a clinically, genetically and pathologically diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders. Symptoms of FTD can present in individuals in their 20s through to their 90s, but the mean age at onset is in the sixth decade. The most common presentation is with a change in personality and impaired social conduct (behavioural variant FTD). Less frequently patients present with language problems (primary progressive aphasia). Both of these groups of patients can develop motor features consistent with either motor neuron disease (usually the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis variant) or parkinsonism (most commonly a progressive supranuclear palsy or corticobasal syndrome). In about a third of cases FTD is familial, with mutations in the progranulin, microtubule-associated protein tau and chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 genes being the major causes. Mutations in a number of other genes including TANK-binding kinase 1 are rare causes of familial FTD. This review aims to clarify the often confusing terminology of FTD, and outline the various clinical features and diagnostic criteria of sporadic and familial FTD syndromes. It will also discuss the current major challenges in FTD research and clinical practice, and potential areas for future research. This review clarifies the terminology of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and summarizes the various clinical features and most recent diagnostic criteria of sporadic and familial FTD syndromes. It also discusses the current major challenges in FTD research and clinical practice, and highlights potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ione O C Woollacott
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Jonathan D Rohrer
- Dementia Research Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
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14
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Clerc MT, Deprez M, Leuba G, Lhermitte B, Lopez U, von Gunten A. Atypical association of semantic dementia, corticobasal syndrome, and 4R tauopathy. Neurocase 2015; 21:1-15. [PMID: 24156410 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2013.841953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A 57-year-old male with no family history was diagnosed with semantic dementia. He also showed some unusual cognitive features such as episodic memory and executive dysfunctions, spatial disorientation, and dyscalculia. Rapidly progressive cognitive and physical decline occurred. About 1.5 years later, he developed clinical features of a corticobasal syndrome. He died at the age of 60. Brain autopsy revealed numerous 4R-tau-positive lesions in the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, basal ganglia, and brainstem. Neuronal loss was severe in the temporal cortex. Such association of semantic dementia with tauopathy and corticobasal syndrome is highly unusual. These findings are discussed in the light of current knowledge about frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Therese Clerc
- a Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'âge avancé, Département de Psychiatrie , Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois , Lausanne , Switzerland
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15
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Magnin E, Teichmann M, Martinaud O, Moreaud O, Ryff I, Belliard S, Pariente J, Moulin T, Vandel P, Démonet JF. Particularités du variant logopénique au sein des aphasies progressives primaires. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2015; 171:16-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Revised: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Duffy JR, Strand EA, Josephs KA. Motor Speech Disorders Associated with Primary Progressive Aphasia. APHASIOLOGY 2014; 28:1004-1017. [PMID: 25309017 PMCID: PMC4191906 DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2013.869307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and conditions that overlap with it can be accompanied by motor speech disorders. Recognition and understanding of motor speech disorders can contribute to a fuller clinical understanding of PPA and its management as well as its localization and underlying pathology. AIMS To review the types of motor speech disorders that may occur with PPA, its primary variants, and its overlap syndromes (progressive supranuclear palsy syndrome, corticobasal syndrome, motor neuron disease), as well as with primary progressive apraxia of speech. MAIN CONTRIBUTION The review should assist clinicians' and researchers' understanding of the relationship between motor speech disorders and PPA and its major variants. It also highlights the importance of recognizing neurodegenerative apraxia of speech as a condition that can occur with little or no evidence of aphasia. CONCLUSION Motor speech disorders can occur with PPA. Their recognition can contribute to clinical diagnosis and management of PPA and to understanding and predicting the localization and pathology associated with PPA variants and conditions that can overlap with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Duffy
- Dept. of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | - Edythe A Strand
- Dept. of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
| | - Keith A Josephs
- Dept. of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, U.S.A
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17
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Afasia progresiva primaria: del síndrome a la enfermedad. Neurologia 2013; 28:366-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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19
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Doherty KM, Rohrer JD, Lees AJ, Holton JL, Warren J. Primary progressive aphasia with parkinsonism. Mov Disord 2013; 28:741-6. [PMID: 23401267 PMCID: PMC3748791 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A 65-year-old man presented with word-finding difficulty and gait disturbance. His speech was nonfluent with word retrieval impairment and difficulties with sentence repetition. Other cognitive domains were intact initially. He developed asymmetrical bradykinesia, rigidity and a rest tremor. Over the following 8 years, his speech production impairment slowly deteriorated with the development of a motor speech disorder, anomia, impaired repetition of single words as well as sentences, and impaired comprehension of initially sentences then single words. His parkinsonian syndrome also deteriorated with limited response to levodopa. Serial brain MRI revealed progressive asymmetric perisylvian atrophy. He died after a disease duration of 12 years. The clinical syndrome is discussed by an expert, the pathology is described, and important clinical points from the case are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Doherty
- Reta Lila Weston Institute of Neurological Studies, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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20
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Abstract
Variant syndromes of Alzheimer disease (AD), led by deficits that extend beyond memory dysfunction, are of considerable clinical and neurobiological importance. Such syndromes present major challenges for both diagnosis and monitoring of disease, and serve to illustrate the apparent paradox of a clinically diverse group of disorders underpinned by a common histopathological substrate. This Review focuses on the most common variant AD phenotypes: posterior cortical atrophy, logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia and frontal variant AD. The neuroanatomical, molecular and pathological correlates of these phenotypes are highlighted, and the heterogeneous clinical presentations of the syndromes are discussed in the context of the emerging network paradigm of neurodegenerative disease. We argue that these apparently diverse clinical phenotypes reflect the differential involvement of a common core temporoparietofrontal network that is vulnerable to AD. According to this interpretation, the network signatures corresponding to AD variant syndromes are produced by genetic and other modulating factors that have yet to be fully characterized. The clinical and neurobiological implications of this network paradigm in the quest for disease-modifying treatments are also explored.
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Abstract
Semantic dementia (SD) is a unique syndrome in the frontotemporal lobar degeneration spectrum. Typically presenting as a progressive, fluent anomic aphasia, SD is the paradigmatic disorder of semantic memory with a characteristic anatomical profile of asymmetric, selective antero-inferior temporal lobe atrophy. Histopathologically, most cases show a specific pattern of abnormal deposition of protein TDP-43. This relatively close clinical, anatomical and pathological correspondence suggests SD as a promising target for future therapeutic trials. Here, we discuss outstanding nosological and neurobiological challenges posed by the syndrome and propose a pathophysiological model of SD based on sequential, regionally determined disintegration of a vulnerable neural network.
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