Logopenic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia

Persons with logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) have increasing trouble thinking of the words they want to say. As time goes on, people with lvPPA have more trouble getting the words out, and they eventually begin to speak slower and slower.

What Causes lvPPA?

The cause of lvPPA is unknown. Scientists know that in lvPPA there is a large buildup of proteins called amyloid and tau within brain cells, the same proteins that accumulate in Alzheimer’s disease. These proteins are normally produced, but we do not yet understand why they accumulate in large amounts. As more and more proteins form in brain cells, the cells lose their ability to function and eventually die. This causes the affected parts of the brain, most often the left posterior temporal cortex and inferior parietal lobe, to shrink.

How is Age Related to lvPPA?

Most people with lvPPA start to have symptoms in their 50s, although some people have shown signs earlier or later.

What Happens in lvPPA?

While speech production skills are spared, people with lvPPA gradually have more trouble finding the words they want to use. For example, they may often pause to find the right word. They may develop problems with working memory, and as a result, they might have increasing difficulty repeating sentences and phrases, or following lengthy instructions. They may also begin to have some trouble naming people and objects. People with lvPPA generally do not lose the ability to understand words, as is the case in the semantic variant.

Later in the disease, people with lvPPA may have such difficulty finding words that they might stop speaking completely. Difficulties with memory may develop or get worse, and reading and writing may become harder. Sometimes, later symptoms of lvPPA include getting lost or having trouble recognizing people.

lvPPA is a disease that changes with time. A person with lvPPA can live many years with the disease, although this can vary from person to person.

Are There Medicines to Treat lvPPA?

Though there is no cure for lvPPA yet, there are medications that may help manage the symptoms. These medications are called cholinesterase inhibitors. Cholinesterase inhibitors may help if a person with lvPPA has trouble with speech or memory, especially if the memory problems are similar to those seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

What Other Things Help?

There are various ways to help a person with lvPPA. Speech therapy may help improve communication between people with lvPPA and others.

Research has shown that physical exercise enhances brain health and improves mood and overall fitness. A balanced diet, enough sleep, and limited alcohol intake are other important ways to promote good health. Other illnesses that affect the brain, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, should also be treated if present.

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