Logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia – Case report

Introduction Speech disorders are often first symptoms of dementias with neurodegenerative basis. Differences in the clinical picture and different types of the speech difficulties may make diagnosis of this degenerative process easier. Aim To present an example of clinical evaluation of the patient with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) according to the newest diagnostic criteria. To shortly revise current knowledge about logopenic variant and its association with Alzheimer disease. Case study We present a case of a 75-year-old man suffering from progressive language difficulties, who was finally diagnosed as having primary progressive aphasia – logopenic variant. Clinical data, neuroimaging, psychological test batteries and speech therapist's examination based on the Boston Aphasia Test were used. Results and discussion In the first part we revise evolution of primary progressive aphasia diagnostic criteria and nomenclature, and focus on current approach to the patient with isolated, progressive speech difficulties. In the second part we attempt to summarize linguistic, neuropsychological and pathological findings that one may encounter in the case of logopenic variant of PPA. Conclusions Diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia requires a close cooperation between neurologist, speech therapists and psychologists. Clinical presentation, due to various level of cognitive decline at first stages of the disease and individualization of the clinical picture, is nonuniform. Recently created diagnostic criteria make both basic diagnosis and diagnosis of the primary progressive aphasia variants easier. This may lead choosing the rehabilitation methods easier in case of disordered language functions and other cognitive domains.