When most people think of Dementia, they imagine memory loss as the key symptom. But not all types of Dementia affect memory first. One lesser-known, but important condition is Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) – a type of Dementia that primarily affects a person’s ability to communicate.
What is Primary Progressive Aphasia?
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurological condition that gradually affects a person’s speech and language skills. It is caused by the gradual degeneration of parts of the brain responsible for language, typically in the left hemisphere. Unlike other forms of Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, PPA does not start with memory problems. Instead, the early signs often involve difficulty finding words, forming sentences, or understanding spoken or written language.
Over time, other cognitive abilities may also be affected, but language difficulties remain the most prominent feature in the early and middle stages.
Celebrity Cases & Raising Awareness
PPA has recently been in the public eye, with several high-profile individuals sharing their diagnoses.
Former footballer and TV presenter Chris Kamara has spoken openly about his experience of speech difficulties linked to PPA, bringing much-needed awareness to the condition. Similarly, Hollywood actor Bruce Willis retired from acting after being diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia, with PPA being a key part of his condition. Their stories help shine a light on how challenging and isolating communication difficulties can be and how important early support is.
Common Difficulties in PPA
People living with PPA may experience a range of communication challenges, including:
- Struggling to find the right words
- Speaking in shorter or incomplete sentences
- Saying the wrong word (e.g. dog instead of cat)
- Difficulty understanding spoken or written language
- Changes in reading or writing ability
- Reduced speech clarity over time
Because of the progressive nature of the condition, these difficulties worsen over time. However, Speech and Language Therapy can help people to maintain their communication skills and adapt strategies as things change.
How We Can Help
Diagnosing and managing PPA requires a team of professionals. A Neurologist usually leads the diagnostic process, often supported by Neuropsychologists, Radiologists (for brain scans), and of course, Speech and Language Therapists. Together, we build a picture of how the condition is affecting the individual and create a support plan that evolves over time.
Unfortunately there is currently no cure, but we can make a huge difference in helping people live well with the condition. We work with individuals and their families to:
- Assess language strengths and difficulties
- Provide therapy to strengthen language skills and slow decline
- Teach strategies to support communication (e.g. gestures, writing, communication books or Apps)
- Support communication partners, such as family and carers, to adapt their communication style
- Plan ahead, including discussing alternative communication methods as the condition progresses
Case Study: Margaret’s Story
Margaret, 67, was a retired librarian who began to notice that she was struggling to find the right words in conversation. She described it as “the word is in my head, but it won’t come out.” Over time, friends noticed that she was becoming quieter in group conversations and often relied on gestures instead of words.
After being referred by her GP, Margaret underwent assessments with a Neurologist and had a brain scan. A Speech and Language Therapist carried out a detailed language assessment. She was diagnosed with the semantic variant of PPA, which particularly affects understanding and naming.
Margaret now works regularly with her Speech and Language Therapist, focusing on naming therapy and creating a personalised communication book. Her husband has learned strategies to help to keep conversations flowing, such as giving Margaret extra time and using written keywords. The couple have also connected with a local Dementia support group and receive input from an Occupational Therapist and Dementia Nurse.
Margaret says,
“Having someone explain what’s happening to my speech and knowing there are things I can do has helped me feel more in control.”
Get the Right Support
If you or someone you know is concerned about changes in speech or language, it’s important to seek help early. Our tailored support can help people living with PPA to keep communicating, maintaining relationships, and living meaningful lives for as long as possible. Our team is here to listen, assess, and support you every step of the way.
Further Reading
*Celebrity images from Vecteezy
