What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Logopenic Primary Progressive Aphasia
• Logopenic Variant PPA
• LPA (Logopenic Progressive Aphasia)

What is Logopenic Progressive Aphasia? (Definition/Background Information)

• Logopenic Progressive Aphasia (LPA) is a type of dementia characterized by language disturbance, including difficulty making or understanding speech (aphasia). It is a type of primary progressive aphasia (PPA)
• Affected individuals have slow, hesitant speech due to difficulty retrieving the correct words, names, or numbers. Difficulty with phase and sentence repetition are additionally present. Speech is typically well articulated and grammatically correct with good single-word comprehension
• But over time, affected individuals may have trouble understanding long or complex verbal information, due to problems holding onto lengthy information that they hear
• Language difficulties associated with LPA are due to shrinking, or atrophy, in the left posterior temporal cortex and inferior parietal lobule

(Source: Logopenic Progressive Aphasia; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Logopenic Progressive Aphasia? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Logopenic Progressive Aphasia is a rare, congenital disorder. The presentation of symptoms typically occur in adulthood
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Logopenic Progressive Aphasia? (Predisposing Factors)

• A positive family history may be an important risk factor, since Logopenic Progressive Aphasia can be reportedly an inherited condition
• No other risk factors have been clearly defined for this condition

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia is not known at the present time
• It is theorized that changes in several genes, in combination with certain environmental and lifestyle factors may lead to the development of this condition

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia?

The signs and symptoms of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia may include:

• Slow, hesitant speech due to difficulty retrieving the correct words, names, or numbers
• Difficulty with phase and sentence repetition

How is Logopenic Progressive Aphasia Diagnosed?

Logopenic Progressive Aphasia is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia?

The complications of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia may include:

• Progressive worsening of the condition, with trouble understanding long or complex verbal information (due to problems holding onto lengthy information that an affected individual hears)
• Distress and embarrassment
• Feeling of isolation 
• Low self-esteem

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Logopenic Progressive Aphasia Treated?

The treatment methods for Logopenic Progressive Aphasia may include the following, either singly or in combination

• Speech and language therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for neuromodulation

(Source: Logopenic Progressive Aphasia; Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), USA.)

How can Logopenic Progressive Aphasia be Prevented?

• The exact cause of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia is not known, and therefore, no methods or guidelines are available for its prevention
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of inherited and acquired genetic disorders
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Logopenic Progressive Aphasia is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• The prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Logopenic Progressive Aphasia:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/