I'm new to the forum so will quickly introduce myself. I'm currently a pedi nurse with the VNA but have been drawn into geriatrics due to elderly parents and friends. I hope to learn a lot from these forums and thank those of you who contribute.

My Dad recently was diagnosed with AD, a "slow progression", after a neurological memory exam. He has been having slow progressive speech loss over the past few years along with some depression, anxiety issues, and malasia with unknown etiology. He is now experiencing moderate memory problems with short and long term memory but able to function. I have researched Progressive Aphasia and wonder if that may be the problem, not AD, and if so, is the treatment different? I know dementia is also involved in PPA. His MRI has not shown major changes although he hasn't had one in 11 months. Is there any way to differenciate between the 2? Speech loss is his primary symptom followed my memory loss. Any suggestions?
Thanks.

I have been confused,myself, while observing my 69 year old husband lose his abilities in speech clarity. This started nearly 1 1/2 years ago--1st signs occurring by confusing yes/no for menu orders while interacting with the waiter and then progressed to use of single words only, lacking any formality in spoken sentences. Now he does not use any nouns--only "What's this" or What's that, or "I go'd--when relating to bathroom needs. The Sept. 2006 CT Scan showed front lobal tangles from an unrecognized mini-stroke and further tests revealed an irregular heart beat. He shows all symptoms of Early Alzheimers: following me around the house, shadowing me while I am cooking, confusion through the sleep hours, cannot use TV remote buttons and/or his mobile cell phone (all too confursing). Then there's the inability to pull trousers up at times; while others times he does okay in dressing himself. He cannot stay home alone and he will not permit me to have help come into the house. He gets combative with the idea that I would not be at his side. I need an escape and these forums seem to be my virtual way of leaving my problems in God's hands. I know I am not alone and my prayer's go out to all others who are supporting their loved one on this lonely journey. Blessings to all,

Dear SK and Jan,
I hope you see this as the posts are old. I wondered if my DH had PPA or FTD vs. AD but when we went to Mayo clinic and had a full neuro eval - they said it didnt matter b/c the prognosis and treatment were the same. My DH's has problems w/ speech and writing and even reading.Jan, hope by now you have gotten a break. For years I thought work was stressful now it is my solace. DH still home alone but Im not sure for how much longer. Annie

My sis also has aphasia and this has progressed rapidly. She has early onset. I find that she uses her body more to get her point across. She still has a positive outlook and is very kind and sweet. She still resides home with a care giver. However, It is a constant guessing game as she feels she is having the conversation of her life with me and these jumbling of words . I seem to understand her more than others. So I can imagine their frustration. But I am more sensitive to her frustration as well. I don't make lenghty questions. For example, "hungry?" I will often get a nod or a clear "yes" may suddenly appear. For sure she still has "no" down. She also is unable to use "equipment" in the home or attend to her activities of daily living. Humor is essential for everyone and with respect. And our faith keeps us strong. We are very close and so we enjoy each moment because we are unsure of tomorrow. As for sitting watching t.v. I don't recommend that. It does not keep the mind active at all. They often become bored with this. At the faciility I work at we keep them going for as long as we can and as long as they want to participate. I read to them, we walk outdoor, we paint, we decorate, we dance, we plant flowers, the list is endless. Blessings to you both.

Sorry it's taken so long to get around to responding to this, but as a Speech Pathologist, I must tell you that there are two types of Progressive aphasia. One, the individual remains fluent but experiences frequent disruptions in speech which is likely due to the fact there is an underlying dementia component to both. Neither is a 'typical' dementia and neither is a true apahsia. The other is a non-fluent or jargonistic phenomenon where words generated in the minds of the affected often come out in indiscernible terms. Some MRI studies have shown deterioration in the perisylvian area of the brain while others have not. Those affected by a PA in the frontal cortex typically lose the ability to speek and to accurately process the spoken word. This is regrettably almost always accompanied by a significant loss in memory.
The 'aphasia' spoken of in the bottom article is closely akin to wernicke's Aphasia where the actual language center of the brain is adversely affected and word ideation generally differs from actual production in that jargonistic wording ( non-sensical )speech is often produced.
To date, there has been no proven association with AZ. However, these are extreme variants of aphasia and in all actuality, I am loathe to use the word 'aphasia'. Aphasia means 'without word' technically, though there are numerous forms. "A" is the key note here meaning without."Dys"would be far more appropriate ( meaning disorder of ) but it's a little late for that at this point.
It is immensely difficult to make an accurate diagnosis in some cases. In the first case presented, it certainly sounds like it could be this wild variant of 'aphasia' since speech loss has eroded and is now accompanied by memory loss. Still, in the absence of a spinal tap and further medical research to rule out AZ, I think it may be foolhardy to dismiss the possibility for in many ways, it still fits the profile. I am not trying to be the harbinger of unwelcomed tidings, it's just that AZ hits everyone differently. The treatment unfortunately, does not differ.

Please see this new publication that just came out regarding PPA.
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/574631

Felicia