Progressive aphasia without generalized dementia

Abstract

A 64-year-old, right-handed man presented with an 18-month history of language disorder and tremor of his right hand. Investigations indicated a predominantly left hemisphere disorder, the pathological nature of which appeared to be degenerative. In contrast to his impaired linguistic skills, praxis, perception, spatial and navigational abilities and memory were largely preserved. He was assessed at frequent intervals over a 5-year period by speech therapists, neurologists and a neuropsychologist and this longitudinal study details his evolving linguisitic, physical and management problems. The nature of his linguistic breakdown is delineated and comparison made with other cases described in the literature. In relation to this patient's disorder, consideration is given to the roles of the neuropsychologist and speech therapist.