Primary Progressive Aphasia: Losing the Ability to Communicate

Abstract

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a rare disorder that affects older adults, causing them to slowly lose the ability to communicate. PPA is caused by certain diseases that damage brain cells in areas of the brain that control speech and language. There are three types of PPA, each with unique speech and language symptoms. While there is not currently a “cure” for the diseases that cause PPA, there are a number of ways to support communication and promote quality of life for individuals with PPA, for as long as possible.