Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Primary progressive aphasia // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/primary-progressive-aphasia

  Primary progressive aphasia can’t be cured, and there are no medicines to treat it. However, some therapies might help improve or maintain your ability to communicate and manage your condition. […] Working with a speech-language pathologist, focusing primarily on ways to make up for lost language skills, can be helpful. Although speech and language therapy can’t stop the progression of the condition, it can help you manage your condition. The therapy also may slow the progression of some symptoms. Your therapist may recommend that your caregivers also attend the appointments. […] If your symptoms affect movement and balance, working with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist can help manage the symptoms.

• #2 Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17387-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa

  There isnt a cure for primary progressive aphasia and no way to stop its progression. But some treatments may slow the diseases progression or increase your quality of life. […] People may benefit from: […] Participating in speech therapy and cognitive therapy can help to maintain language and thinking skills for as long as possible. […] Learning new ways to communicate, such as sign language. […] Taking medicines, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to manage behavioral changes and reduce anxiety or depression associated with PPA. […] Taking medications approved for Alzheimers disease, if thats the underlying cause of PPA. […] There isnt a way to reverse primary progressive aphasia, but treatment may help you maintain communication skills for as long as possible. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.

• #3 Speech and language therapy approaches to managing primary progressive aphasia

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986989/

  The term primary progressive aphasia (PPA) describes a group of neurodegenerative disorders with predominant speech and language dysfunction as their main feature. […] There are currently no curative treatments or symptomatic pharmacological therapies. However, speech and language therapists have developed several impairment-based interventions and compensatory strategies for use in the clinic. […] This review brings together current approaches to managing PPA, highlighting the barriers to access to specialist speech and language therapy and suggests future priorities for developing better care. […] A number of studies have demonstrated that word retrieval interventions can be helpful for people with PPA: a systematic review of 39 studies suggested that both semantic and phonologically-based treatments, and in some cases combinations of both, demonstrate immediate positive gains for people with PPA.

• #4 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  There is no cure for PPA, but some services and medications can help manage some of the symptoms of PPA. […] Medicines: Doctors may prescribe medications to help with some of the symptoms that come with PPA. […] Non-medicine services: It is important that a team of professionals with a lot of PPA knowledge work together to help the person with PPA and their family members. […] Speech-language pathologists (aka speech therapists) work with people with PPA and PPAOS and their families to understand the disease, how it impacts communication, and develop strategies to maximize communication in daily life. […] Speech therapy can help you improve your communication, and helps you keep your communication stronger for longer. […] Speech therapy should always be personalized to target words and sentences used in the persons daily life. Generic exercises do not have a place in speech therapy for PPA.

• #5 Primary progressive aphasia // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/primary-progressive-aphasia

  Primary progressive aphasia can’t be cured, and there are no medicines to treat it. However, some therapies might help improve or maintain your ability to communicate and manage your condition. […] Working with a speech-language pathologist, focusing primarily on ways to make up for lost language skills, can be helpful. Although speech and language therapy can’t stop the progression of the condition, it can help you manage your condition. The therapy also may slow the progression of some symptoms. Your therapist may recommend that your caregivers also attend the appointments. […] If your symptoms affect movement and balance, working with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist can help manage the symptoms.

• #6 Treatment for Primary Progressive Aphasia | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment

  There are no pills yet for PPA. […] None have been shown to improve PPA. […] The primary goal of treatment for language impairments in individuals with PPA is to improve the ability to communicate. […] A complete speech and language evaluation provides the information needed to determine the type of treatment that is most appropriate. […] There are two basic approaches to speech therapy for PPA. One approach is to focus treatment directly on the language skills that are impaired (for example, skills to enhance word-retrieval abilities), and the other is to provide augmentative/alternative communication strategies or devices. […] We recommend that both treatment approaches be used in people with PPA. […] Regardless of which strategies are provided to people with PPA, it is important that the family is involved in treatment and that the use of the strategy in the natural environment is encouraged.

• #7 Primary Progressive Aphasia: Therapy Tips for the Speech-Language Pathologist

  https://tactustherapy.com/ppa-treatment-slp-primary-progressive-aphasia/

  As with any new client or condition, assessment is the first step in the therapeutic process. […] When choosing standardized tests to help you assess and measure progress for a client with PPA, its best to prioritize their functional needs to enhance their quality of life. […] Since your treatment focus will be on increasing your clients level of function, youll need to focus on preserving strengths and compensating for weaknesses. […] The early stages of PPA often present similarly to post-stroke aphasia. […] Focus on maximizing function and planning for the future. […] Later stages of PPA may present similarly to dementia, though the distinction is important. […] With PPA, dont expect the same carryover of skills as you would when treating a stroke survivor with aphasia. […] Create opportunities for your client to practice important words and phrases.

• #8 Treatment for Primary Progressive Aphasia | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment

  There are no pills yet for PPA. […] None have been shown to improve PPA. […] The primary goal of treatment for language impairments in individuals with PPA is to improve the ability to communicate. […] A complete speech and language evaluation provides the information needed to determine the type of treatment that is most appropriate. […] There are two basic approaches to speech therapy for PPA. One approach is to focus treatment directly on the language skills that are impaired (for example, skills to enhance word-retrieval abilities), and the other is to provide augmentative/alternative communication strategies or devices. […] We recommend that both treatment approaches be used in people with PPA. […] Regardless of which strategies are provided to people with PPA, it is important that the family is involved in treatment and that the use of the strategy in the natural environment is encouraged.

• #9 Primary Progressive Aphasia: Therapy Tips for the Speech-Language Pathologist

  https://tactustherapy.com/ppa-treatment-slp-primary-progressive-aphasia/

  As with any new client or condition, assessment is the first step in the therapeutic process. […] When choosing standardized tests to help you assess and measure progress for a client with PPA, its best to prioritize their functional needs to enhance their quality of life. […] Since your treatment focus will be on increasing your clients level of function, youll need to focus on preserving strengths and compensating for weaknesses. […] The early stages of PPA often present similarly to post-stroke aphasia. […] Focus on maximizing function and planning for the future. […] Later stages of PPA may present similarly to dementia, though the distinction is important. […] With PPA, dont expect the same carryover of skills as you would when treating a stroke survivor with aphasia. […] Create opportunities for your client to practice important words and phrases.

• #10 Treatment for Primary Progressive Aphasia | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment

  There are no pills yet for PPA. […] None have been shown to improve PPA. […] The primary goal of treatment for language impairments in individuals with PPA is to improve the ability to communicate. […] A complete speech and language evaluation provides the information needed to determine the type of treatment that is most appropriate. […] There are two basic approaches to speech therapy for PPA. One approach is to focus treatment directly on the language skills that are impaired (for example, skills to enhance word-retrieval abilities), and the other is to provide augmentative/alternative communication strategies or devices. […] We recommend that both treatment approaches be used in people with PPA. […] Regardless of which strategies are provided to people with PPA, it is important that the family is involved in treatment and that the use of the strategy in the natural environment is encouraged.

• #11 Treatment for Primary Progressive Aphasia | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment

  There are no pills yet for PPA. […] None have been shown to improve PPA. […] The primary goal of treatment for language impairments in individuals with PPA is to improve the ability to communicate. […] A complete speech and language evaluation provides the information needed to determine the type of treatment that is most appropriate. […] There are two basic approaches to speech therapy for PPA. One approach is to focus treatment directly on the language skills that are impaired (for example, skills to enhance word-retrieval abilities), and the other is to provide augmentative/alternative communication strategies or devices. […] We recommend that both treatment approaches be used in people with PPA. […] Regardless of which strategies are provided to people with PPA, it is important that the family is involved in treatment and that the use of the strategy in the natural environment is encouraged.

• #12 Treatment for Primary Progressive Aphasia | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment

  There are no pills yet for PPA. […] None have been shown to improve PPA. […] The primary goal of treatment for language impairments in individuals with PPA is to improve the ability to communicate. […] A complete speech and language evaluation provides the information needed to determine the type of treatment that is most appropriate. […] There are two basic approaches to speech therapy for PPA. One approach is to focus treatment directly on the language skills that are impaired (for example, skills to enhance word-retrieval abilities), and the other is to provide augmentative/alternative communication strategies or devices. […] We recommend that both treatment approaches be used in people with PPA. […] Regardless of which strategies are provided to people with PPA, it is important that the family is involved in treatment and that the use of the strategy in the natural environment is encouraged.

• #13 Speech and language therapy approaches to managing primary progressive aphasia

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986989/

  The term primary progressive aphasia (PPA) describes a group of neurodegenerative disorders with predominant speech and language dysfunction as their main feature. […] There are currently no curative treatments or symptomatic pharmacological therapies. However, speech and language therapists have developed several impairment-based interventions and compensatory strategies for use in the clinic. […] This review brings together current approaches to managing PPA, highlighting the barriers to access to specialist speech and language therapy and suggests future priorities for developing better care. […] A number of studies have demonstrated that word retrieval interventions can be helpful for people with PPA: a systematic review of 39 studies suggested that both semantic and phonologically-based treatments, and in some cases combinations of both, demonstrate immediate positive gains for people with PPA.

• #14 Guide to Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://www.expressable.com/learning-center/adults/guide-to-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa-causes-symptoms-and-treatment

  How is primary progressive aphasia treated? […] It’s important to factor in the progressive nature of a PPA diagnosis. Speech and language therapy should be started as soon as possible so a care plan can be created. The speech therapist can identify strategies that will maximize the person’s communication and improve their quality of life. […] Every person with PPA is different, so specific treatment programs may vary as well. In addition, the course of treatment may change as the condition affects more areas of language and cognition. […] With the progression of PPA, speech therapy may focus on compensatory strategies to help the person communicate. […] In PPA’s least severe and early stages, speech therapy may include treatments that focus on improving language impairments. Some examples are Verb Network Strengthening Treatment, Semantic Feature Analysis, and Copy and Recall Treatment.

• #15 Speech and language therapy approaches to managing primary progressive aphasia

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986989/

  A recent systematic review examined those questions in the context of semantic word retrieval therapies across the PPA subtypes: generalisation was more likely in the nonfluent and logopenic variants, with maintenance of gains demonstrated across all subtypes over a short time period, although degrading quickly without ongoing practice. […] While these initial small studies documented positive outcomes, there is a need for more research investigating interventions tailored to the specific linguistic and motoric deficits that occur in nonfluent variant PPA. […] There is limited research on functional communication focused interventions for people with PPA. […] In contrast to the lack of research, many specialist speech and language therapists prioritise communication skills training in their management approaches with people with PPA above more impairment-based interventions in actual day-to-day clinical practice.

• #16 Guide to Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://www.expressable.com/learning-center/adults/guide-to-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa-causes-symptoms-and-treatment

  With the progression of PPA, speech therapy may focus on compensatory strategies to help the person communicate. These compensatory strategies can range from low-tech, such as a communication card in the person’s wallet, to high-tech, such as voice banking or augmentative communication devices. These strategies may also include environmental changes, like making frequently requested items more accessible to the person. […] Treatment should also include the person’s communication partners. Programs such as Supported Conversation in Aphasia (SCA) and Promoting Aphasics Communication Efficiency (PACE) are essential training for friends and family who often communicate with a person with PPA. These programs teach people techniques they can use to support and promote communication. […] Speech therapy can provide ongoing education and support to help the person with PPA stay connected to others.

• #17 Primary Progressive Aphasia | Memory and Aging Center

  https://memory.ucsf.edu/dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia

  People with language difficulties may benefit from speech therapy to help them learn alternative ways to supplement and compensate for their lost skills. […] Unlike many people who develop aphasia from head injury or stroke, people with PPA do not typically improve with time, but a therapist may be helpful in maximizing abilities and exploring other ways to communicate. Non-verbal techniques for communicating, such as gesturing or pointing to pictures may help people express themselves. […] Aphasia identification cards explaining that the person has a language problem may be helpful. Many speech pathologists and occupational therapists have their own practices, while others are available through local hospitals and medical centers. Ask your doctor for a referral.

• #18 Primary Progressive Aphasia | Memory and Aging Center

  https://memory.ucsf.edu/dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia

  People with language difficulties may benefit from speech therapy to help them learn alternative ways to supplement and compensate for their lost skills. […] Unlike many people who develop aphasia from head injury or stroke, people with PPA do not typically improve with time, but a therapist may be helpful in maximizing abilities and exploring other ways to communicate. Non-verbal techniques for communicating, such as gesturing or pointing to pictures may help people express themselves. […] Aphasia identification cards explaining that the person has a language problem may be helpful. Many speech pathologists and occupational therapists have their own practices, while others are available through local hospitals and medical centers. Ask your doctor for a referral.

• #19 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Compensatory tools may be developed to support communication. Paper-based tools, like a communication book, can be useful to anyone with PPA or PPAOS. High-tech tools like tablets and smart phones work for some people with PPA or PPAOS. […] After your first round of speech therapy, it is important for you and your family to visit your speech therapist every six months or so. Another round of therapy may be recommended as PPA progresses so that you and your family can learn new strategies to help communication. […] Additional therapies: Support groups, intergenerational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and others may all be considered, depending on the individuals interests.

• #20 Primary Progressive Aphasia – What is PPA?

  https://tactustherapy.com/what-is-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa/

  Throughout the progression of PPA, speech-language therapy can: Stimulate language skills to keep them strong, Introduce compensatory strategies for improving functional communication, Implement alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) tools such as picture symbols, apps on tablets, speech generating devices, or text-based supports, Promote self-cueing strategies for improved word retrieval, Train family members to use communication strategies with their loved one, Provide counseling and support resources and referrals to families, Create and implement scripts that facilitate functional communication for common scenarios (e.g., talking to a family member, ordering food in a restaurant).

• #21 Guide to Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://www.expressable.com/learning-center/adults/guide-to-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa-causes-symptoms-and-treatment

  With the progression of PPA, speech therapy may focus on compensatory strategies to help the person communicate. These compensatory strategies can range from low-tech, such as a communication card in the person’s wallet, to high-tech, such as voice banking or augmentative communication devices. These strategies may also include environmental changes, like making frequently requested items more accessible to the person. […] Treatment should also include the person’s communication partners. Programs such as Supported Conversation in Aphasia (SCA) and Promoting Aphasics Communication Efficiency (PACE) are essential training for friends and family who often communicate with a person with PPA. These programs teach people techniques they can use to support and promote communication. […] Speech therapy can provide ongoing education and support to help the person with PPA stay connected to others.

• #22 Primary Progressive Aphasia: Therapy Tips for the Speech-Language Pathologist

  https://tactustherapy.com/ppa-treatment-slp-primary-progressive-aphasia/

  If its early in the progression of primary progressive aphasia, have the family and the client pay attention to routines and phrases used in everyday life. […] Clients should practice using strategies, alternative communication, and scripts in comfortable situations with the SLP, their family, and close friends. […] Clients who are still independent in the community may benefit from carrying an individualized information card. […] As PPA progresses and communication skills (especially verbal skills) decline, nonverbal skills become that much more important. […] Many people choose to preserve their loved ones voice by voice banking. […] Treatment should focus on a home program and compensatory strategies from the very first day. […] The goal is effective communication, not perfection.

• #23 Primary Progressive Aphasia | The Aphasia Library

  https://www.aphasia.com/aphasia-library/aphasia-types/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Although all types of PPA are progressive, it can still be helpful to work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The SLP can select therapy tasks to try to maintain current levels of functioning for as long as possible. More importantly, SLPs can identify strategies and techniques to make communication easier as PPA progresses. […] It can be helpful to look into augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in the earlier stages of PPA. It is easier for someone to learn to use an AAC device while their comprehension is less impaired. This can lead to more successful device use in later stages of PPA. In addition, voice banking can be an option for people with PPA who begin to use AAC devices while they still have verbal language. This means that they can save messages recorded in their own voice. […] Using strategies recommended by an SLP and the rest of the medical team, people with PPA can continue participating in their communities and hobbies even as the disease progresses.

• #24 Guide to Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://www.expressable.com/learning-center/adults/guide-to-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa-causes-symptoms-and-treatment

  With the progression of PPA, speech therapy may focus on compensatory strategies to help the person communicate. These compensatory strategies can range from low-tech, such as a communication card in the person’s wallet, to high-tech, such as voice banking or augmentative communication devices. These strategies may also include environmental changes, like making frequently requested items more accessible to the person. […] Treatment should also include the person’s communication partners. Programs such as Supported Conversation in Aphasia (SCA) and Promoting Aphasics Communication Efficiency (PACE) are essential training for friends and family who often communicate with a person with PPA. These programs teach people techniques they can use to support and promote communication. […] Speech therapy can provide ongoing education and support to help the person with PPA stay connected to others.

• #25 Primary Progressive Aphasia | Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

  https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/aslt/resources/communication/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  When having a conversation, try and reduce background noise. For example, turning off the television reduces distractions and allows you to focus on your speech and language. […] Be patient: It can take someone with PPA extra time to think of the right words to say or to find the right sounds to produce. In a conversation, maintain eye contact and open body language to show that you are still engaged. […] Ask yes/no questions: Open questions (where they must elaborate on answers) can be difficult for people with PPA. If you notice this, asking questions that can be answered with yes or no allows your family member to give their opinion and be part of the conversation. […] Use photographs: Your family member may find it difficult to understand information. If you have photographs that you can point too and use in your explanations, then this can help them understand what you are trying to say.

• #26 Primary Progressive Aphasia | Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

  https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/aslt/resources/communication/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  When having a conversation, try and reduce background noise. For example, turning off the television reduces distractions and allows you to focus on your speech and language. […] Be patient: It can take someone with PPA extra time to think of the right words to say or to find the right sounds to produce. In a conversation, maintain eye contact and open body language to show that you are still engaged. […] Ask yes/no questions: Open questions (where they must elaborate on answers) can be difficult for people with PPA. If you notice this, asking questions that can be answered with yes or no allows your family member to give their opinion and be part of the conversation. […] Use photographs: Your family member may find it difficult to understand information. If you have photographs that you can point too and use in your explanations, then this can help them understand what you are trying to say.

• #27 Primary Progressive Aphasia | Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

  https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/aslt/resources/communication/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  When having a conversation, try and reduce background noise. For example, turning off the television reduces distractions and allows you to focus on your speech and language. […] Be patient: It can take someone with PPA extra time to think of the right words to say or to find the right sounds to produce. In a conversation, maintain eye contact and open body language to show that you are still engaged. […] Ask yes/no questions: Open questions (where they must elaborate on answers) can be difficult for people with PPA. If you notice this, asking questions that can be answered with yes or no allows your family member to give their opinion and be part of the conversation. […] Use photographs: Your family member may find it difficult to understand information. If you have photographs that you can point too and use in your explanations, then this can help them understand what you are trying to say.

• #28 Primary Progressive Aphasia | Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

  https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/aslt/resources/communication/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  When having a conversation, try and reduce background noise. For example, turning off the television reduces distractions and allows you to focus on your speech and language. […] Be patient: It can take someone with PPA extra time to think of the right words to say or to find the right sounds to produce. In a conversation, maintain eye contact and open body language to show that you are still engaged. […] Ask yes/no questions: Open questions (where they must elaborate on answers) can be difficult for people with PPA. If you notice this, asking questions that can be answered with yes or no allows your family member to give their opinion and be part of the conversation. […] Use photographs: Your family member may find it difficult to understand information. If you have photographs that you can point too and use in your explanations, then this can help them understand what you are trying to say.

• #29 Primary Progressive Aphasia: Therapy Tips for the Speech-Language Pathologist

  https://tactustherapy.com/ppa-treatment-slp-primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Early treatment, a personalized plan, partner training, and planning for the future are important components of appropriate speech therapy treatment. […] We cannot stop PPA from progressing, but speech-language pathologists can help clients and families adjust their lives, compensate for their impairments, and keep the highest function and quality of life possible.

• #30 Primary Progressive Aphasia – Speech Therapy Online Wisconsin — Online Speech Therapy in Wisconsin

  https://www.speechspark.com/ppa

  Treating Primary Progressive Aphasia requires a more specialized approach than other medical issues like post-stroke aphasia or other forms of dementia. […] The research shows benefit to speech therapy for Primary Progressive Aphasia, but targeted practice does not carry over or expand to other non-practiced words. This means that you focus your practice program on whats important to the individual. […] A standard aphasia program doesnt exist for PPA. The treatment must be tailored to the individual. […] As Primary Progressive Aphasia progresses, language will continue to be lost. Together, we create a tailored daily practice program, strengthening and preserving the language surrounding whats important, for as long as possible. Allowing whats unimportant to fade as PPA progresses. […] For PPA, the goal is maximizing function and quality of life.

• #31 Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17387-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa

  There isnt a cure for primary progressive aphasia and no way to stop its progression. But some treatments may slow the diseases progression or increase your quality of life. […] People may benefit from: […] Participating in speech therapy and cognitive therapy can help to maintain language and thinking skills for as long as possible. […] Learning new ways to communicate, such as sign language. […] Taking medicines, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to manage behavioral changes and reduce anxiety or depression associated with PPA. […] Taking medications approved for Alzheimers disease, if thats the underlying cause of PPA. […] There isnt a way to reverse primary progressive aphasia, but treatment may help you maintain communication skills for as long as possible. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.

• #32

  https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment.html

  Many clinicians are involved in the diagnosis and care of individuals living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their families. […] Speech and language therapy is an important intervention for all individuals with PPA. […] Social workers are available in the Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic to meet with patients and families to develop a personal and customized approach to care. […] There are also life-enriching interventions that may be helpful for managing symptoms and maximizing quality of life, including speech-language therapy, support groups, creative arts therapy and individual counseling. […] For those with suspected Alzheimer’s disease pathology, Alzheimer medications (such as Leqembi) may be appropriate. […] Effective treatments for PPA will likely rely on knowing, at the individual level, which disease is causing PPA. […] Other medications may be useful for treating behavioral symptoms such as depression, anxiety and/or agitation, which may occur later in the illness.

• #33 Treatment for Primary Progressive Aphasia | Northwestern Medicine

  https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment

  There are no pills yet for PPA. […] None have been shown to improve PPA. […] The primary goal of treatment for language impairments in individuals with PPA is to improve the ability to communicate. […] A complete speech and language evaluation provides the information needed to determine the type of treatment that is most appropriate. […] There are two basic approaches to speech therapy for PPA. One approach is to focus treatment directly on the language skills that are impaired (for example, skills to enhance word-retrieval abilities), and the other is to provide augmentative/alternative communication strategies or devices. […] We recommend that both treatment approaches be used in people with PPA. […] Regardless of which strategies are provided to people with PPA, it is important that the family is involved in treatment and that the use of the strategy in the natural environment is encouraged.

• #34 Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://www.webmd.com/brain/primary-progressive-aphasia

  PPA doesn’t have a cure, and there aren’t yet any medications that treat it. Because 30%-40% of people with PPA have Alzheimer’s disease, some doctors prescribe drugs that treat Alzheimer’s. But studies haven’t shown that these drugs improve PPA. […] Because PPA can cause mental health issues, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, anti-anxiety medications, or medications that soothe agitation to help improve mood. […] There are many nondrug ways to help improve someone’s quality of life and ability to communicate when they live with PPA. These strategies include: […] Speech therapy. A speech-language pathologist is a specialist who can help you discover and learn new ways to communicate and improve the communication skills you still have. […] Occupational and physical therapy. These specialists can help with balance and movement issues that may come along with PPA so you can better manage daily life. […] Nonverbal communication tools. Tools such as sign language, visual aids, picture boards, or talk-to-text technology can all be ways to expand communication options for someone with PPA.

• #35 Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17387-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa

  There isnt a cure for primary progressive aphasia and no way to stop its progression. But some treatments may slow the diseases progression or increase your quality of life. […] People may benefit from: […] Participating in speech therapy and cognitive therapy can help to maintain language and thinking skills for as long as possible. […] Learning new ways to communicate, such as sign language. […] Taking medicines, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to manage behavioral changes and reduce anxiety or depression associated with PPA. […] Taking medications approved for Alzheimers disease, if thats the underlying cause of PPA. […] There isnt a way to reverse primary progressive aphasia, but treatment may help you maintain communication skills for as long as possible. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best treatment for you.

• #36 Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://www.webmd.com/brain/primary-progressive-aphasia

  PPA doesn’t have a cure, and there aren’t yet any medications that treat it. Because 30%-40% of people with PPA have Alzheimer’s disease, some doctors prescribe drugs that treat Alzheimer’s. But studies haven’t shown that these drugs improve PPA. […] Because PPA can cause mental health issues, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, anti-anxiety medications, or medications that soothe agitation to help improve mood. […] There are many nondrug ways to help improve someone’s quality of life and ability to communicate when they live with PPA. These strategies include: […] Speech therapy. A speech-language pathologist is a specialist who can help you discover and learn new ways to communicate and improve the communication skills you still have. […] Occupational and physical therapy. These specialists can help with balance and movement issues that may come along with PPA so you can better manage daily life. […] Nonverbal communication tools. Tools such as sign language, visual aids, picture boards, or talk-to-text technology can all be ways to expand communication options for someone with PPA.

• #37 Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://www.webmd.com/brain/primary-progressive-aphasia

  PPA doesn’t have a cure, and there aren’t yet any medications that treat it. Because 30%-40% of people with PPA have Alzheimer’s disease, some doctors prescribe drugs that treat Alzheimer’s. But studies haven’t shown that these drugs improve PPA. […] Because PPA can cause mental health issues, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, anti-anxiety medications, or medications that soothe agitation to help improve mood. […] There are many nondrug ways to help improve someone’s quality of life and ability to communicate when they live with PPA. These strategies include: […] Speech therapy. A speech-language pathologist is a specialist who can help you discover and learn new ways to communicate and improve the communication skills you still have. […] Occupational and physical therapy. These specialists can help with balance and movement issues that may come along with PPA so you can better manage daily life. […] Nonverbal communication tools. Tools such as sign language, visual aids, picture boards, or talk-to-text technology can all be ways to expand communication options for someone with PPA.

• #38 The course of primary progressive aphasia diagnosis: a cross-sectional study | Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy | Full Text

  https://alzres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13195-022-01007-6

  Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments were significatively more recommended following PPA than AD diagnosis. […] The PPA diagnosis increases the prescription of non-pharmacological treatments, especially speech and language therapy (SLT) that is the main treatment available and most effective when at the initial stage. […] However, non-pharmacological interventions, such as speech and language therapy (SLT), have proven to be useful to compensate and maintain functional communication. […] Proper PPA diagnosis increases the opportunities of providing early appropriate clinical interventions, implementing coordinated care plans, managing symptoms, improving patient safety, cost savings and postponing institutionalization. […] The number of patients under pharmacological treatment was significantly higher after, than before the diagnosis of PPA, and this is true for the different psychotropic drugs and for anti-dementia treatments. After diagnosis, the treatment that was mainly added in the PPA group was antidepressants (for 20.6% of the patients). More patients received non-pharmacological treatments after a PPA compared to before the diagnosis, with the most common intervention being speech-language therapy.

• #39 Alzheimer’s Treatment Holds Promise for Primary Progressive Aphasia Patients – Drug Discovery and Development

  https://www.drugdiscoverytrends.com/alzheimers-treatment-holds-promise-for-primary-progressive-aphasia-patients/

  Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered that an existing therapy frequently used to treat Alzheimer’s disease might also work on patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a type of dementia that destroys language and currently has no treatment. […] This study found for the first time that individuals with PPA undergo the same loss of cholinergic neurons and axons in the forebrain as individuals with Alzheimer’s and, therefore, might also benefit from these cholinesterase inhibitors. […] “The findings provide the basic scientific foundation to spur a clinical trial to test the treatment on patients with PPA,” said senior author Changiz Geula. […] “That’s why our study is so important for patients,” Geula said. “No one knew before that this cholinergic system is devasted in patients with PPA associated with Alzheimer’s but we’ve now demonstrated that and have justified the need for clinical trials with this therapy.”

• #40 Alzheimer’s Treatment Holds Promise for Primary Progressive Aphasia Patients – Drug Discovery and Development

  https://www.drugdiscoverytrends.com/alzheimers-treatment-holds-promise-for-primary-progressive-aphasia-patients/

  Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered that an existing therapy frequently used to treat Alzheimer’s disease might also work on patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a type of dementia that destroys language and currently has no treatment. […] This study found for the first time that individuals with PPA undergo the same loss of cholinergic neurons and axons in the forebrain as individuals with Alzheimer’s and, therefore, might also benefit from these cholinesterase inhibitors. […] “The findings provide the basic scientific foundation to spur a clinical trial to test the treatment on patients with PPA,” said senior author Changiz Geula. […] “That’s why our study is so important for patients,” Geula said. “No one knew before that this cholinergic system is devasted in patients with PPA associated with Alzheimer’s but we’ve now demonstrated that and have justified the need for clinical trials with this therapy.”

• #41 4 Approaches to Primary Progressive Aphasia Treatment

  https://www.healthline.com/health/primary-progressive-aphasia-treatment

  Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): This noninvasive technique involves applying a mild electrical current to the scalp to modulate brain activity. A review shows that tDCS may help improve language skills, but further research is needed. […] Medications: Current research indicates that medications that have been examined as possible treatments for PPA have limited effectiveness in improving cognitive deficits. However, certain medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, sleep aids, antipsychotics, cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), and N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists (NMDA antagonists), may be used for various symptoms related to PPA. […] While theres no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving communication skills through interventions like speech therapy, cognitive training, and supportive strategies. […] These treatments can help you maintain your ability to communicate, engage in daily activities, and enhance your overall quality of life.

• #42 Treatment of Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4600091/

  These studies have shown encouraging results of language therapy, i.e., potential for new lexical learning in svPPA and lvPPA, benefit of implementing errorless strategies, the importance of early intervention, and potential for generalizability and retention of therapy gains. […] The positive effects of tDCS in motor and higher cognitive functions including language have been identified in studies of healthy controls. […] The clinical importance of tDCS requires establishing therapy generalization and maintenance of treatment in clinical populations. […] The consistent finding of generalization of treatment benefits to untreated items and the superior sustainability of treatment effects with tDCS justifies further investigations. […] Future research is needed to determine whether medications, used alone or in combination with speech and language treatment with or without neuromodulation, can be of benefit in reducing the rate of language decline in PPA.

• #43 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250421/New-treatment-approach-offers-hope-for-people-with-primary-progressive-aphasia.aspx

  Although all participants improved after both treatments, they showed greater and more lasting improvement following the phase with active transcranial direct current stimulation compared to placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. […] The researchers say brain stimulation helped induce neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to continue to reorganize and learn. And it boosted the effects of speech therapy. […] Because transcranial direct current stimulation is inexpensive, safe and easy to perform, the barriers to implementing it in clinical practice are less significant, Nickels said. […] „There’s a misconception sometimes with neurodegenerative diseases, that once you get a diagnosis, there is nothing that can be done,” Nickels said. „But we have learned through our research that even when there’s a progressive brain disease, we can help restore lost function and even slow down the progression.”

• #44 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250421/New-treatment-approach-offers-hope-for-people-with-primary-progressive-aphasia.aspx

  Although all participants improved after both treatments, they showed greater and more lasting improvement following the phase with active transcranial direct current stimulation compared to placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. […] The researchers say brain stimulation helped induce neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to continue to reorganize and learn. And it boosted the effects of speech therapy. […] Because transcranial direct current stimulation is inexpensive, safe and easy to perform, the barriers to implementing it in clinical practice are less significant, Nickels said. […] „There’s a misconception sometimes with neurodegenerative diseases, that once you get a diagnosis, there is nothing that can be done,” Nickels said. „But we have learned through our research that even when there’s a progressive brain disease, we can help restore lost function and even slow down the progression.”

• #45 Primary progressive aphasia treatments – Alzheimer’s Research UK

  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment/

  There are several types of cognitive therapy that may benefit people with dementia. Cognitive skills can be described as thinking skills, and cognition is a word used to describe thought processes. […] Cognitive stimulation activities are designed to stimulate thinking skills and engage people who have dementia. They are often group-based and include games, with an emphasis on enjoyment. Cognitive stimulation can be provided by health or social care staff with appropriate training. […] The benefits of cognitive stimulation for people with dementia could include improvement in memory, thinking skills and quality of life. […] Your doctor may consider recommending cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT provides an opportunity for people to talk about their worries and concerns with a specialist practitioner. It aims to help people develop different ways of thinking and behaving.

• #46 Primary progressive aphasia treatments – Alzheimer’s Research UK

  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment/

  There are several types of cognitive therapy that may benefit people with dementia. Cognitive skills can be described as thinking skills, and cognition is a word used to describe thought processes. […] Cognitive stimulation activities are designed to stimulate thinking skills and engage people who have dementia. They are often group-based and include games, with an emphasis on enjoyment. Cognitive stimulation can be provided by health or social care staff with appropriate training. […] The benefits of cognitive stimulation for people with dementia could include improvement in memory, thinking skills and quality of life. […] Your doctor may consider recommending cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT provides an opportunity for people to talk about their worries and concerns with a specialist practitioner. It aims to help people develop different ways of thinking and behaving.

• #47 Primary progressive aphasia treatments – Alzheimer’s Research UK

  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment/

  There are several types of cognitive therapy that may benefit people with dementia. Cognitive skills can be described as thinking skills, and cognition is a word used to describe thought processes. […] Cognitive stimulation activities are designed to stimulate thinking skills and engage people who have dementia. They are often group-based and include games, with an emphasis on enjoyment. Cognitive stimulation can be provided by health or social care staff with appropriate training. […] The benefits of cognitive stimulation for people with dementia could include improvement in memory, thinking skills and quality of life. […] Your doctor may consider recommending cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT provides an opportunity for people to talk about their worries and concerns with a specialist practitioner. It aims to help people develop different ways of thinking and behaving.

• #48 Primary progressive aphasia treatments – Alzheimer’s Research UK

  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment/

  There are several types of cognitive therapy that may benefit people with dementia. Cognitive skills can be described as thinking skills, and cognition is a word used to describe thought processes. […] Cognitive stimulation activities are designed to stimulate thinking skills and engage people who have dementia. They are often group-based and include games, with an emphasis on enjoyment. Cognitive stimulation can be provided by health or social care staff with appropriate training. […] The benefits of cognitive stimulation for people with dementia could include improvement in memory, thinking skills and quality of life. […] Your doctor may consider recommending cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT provides an opportunity for people to talk about their worries and concerns with a specialist practitioner. It aims to help people develop different ways of thinking and behaving.

• #49 Primary progressive aphasia // Middlesex Health

  https://middlesexhealth.org/learning-center/diseases-and-conditions/primary-progressive-aphasia

  Primary progressive aphasia can’t be cured, and there are no medicines to treat it. However, some therapies might help improve or maintain your ability to communicate and manage your condition. […] Working with a speech-language pathologist, focusing primarily on ways to make up for lost language skills, can be helpful. Although speech and language therapy can’t stop the progression of the condition, it can help you manage your condition. The therapy also may slow the progression of some symptoms. Your therapist may recommend that your caregivers also attend the appointments. […] If your symptoms affect movement and balance, working with a physical therapist and an occupational therapist can help manage the symptoms.

• #50 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Compensatory tools may be developed to support communication. Paper-based tools, like a communication book, can be useful to anyone with PPA or PPAOS. High-tech tools like tablets and smart phones work for some people with PPA or PPAOS. […] After your first round of speech therapy, it is important for you and your family to visit your speech therapist every six months or so. Another round of therapy may be recommended as PPA progresses so that you and your family can learn new strategies to help communication. […] Additional therapies: Support groups, intergenerational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and others may all be considered, depending on the individuals interests.

• #51 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Compensatory tools may be developed to support communication. Paper-based tools, like a communication book, can be useful to anyone with PPA or PPAOS. High-tech tools like tablets and smart phones work for some people with PPA or PPAOS. […] After your first round of speech therapy, it is important for you and your family to visit your speech therapist every six months or so. Another round of therapy may be recommended as PPA progresses so that you and your family can learn new strategies to help communication. […] Additional therapies: Support groups, intergenerational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and others may all be considered, depending on the individuals interests.

• #52 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Compensatory tools may be developed to support communication. Paper-based tools, like a communication book, can be useful to anyone with PPA or PPAOS. High-tech tools like tablets and smart phones work for some people with PPA or PPAOS. […] After your first round of speech therapy, it is important for you and your family to visit your speech therapist every six months or so. Another round of therapy may be recommended as PPA progresses so that you and your family can learn new strategies to help communication. […] Additional therapies: Support groups, intergenerational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and others may all be considered, depending on the individuals interests.

• #53 Primary progressive aphasia treatments – Alzheimer’s Research UK

  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment/

  There may also be other therapies offered in your local area that could help; these might include exercise or group activities such as music therapy. […] You may be offered an antidepressant drug, either as an alternative to CBT or in combination with it. There are different types, or classes, of antidepressant; some are not suitable for people with dementia. Your doctor will be able to advise you if an antidepressant could help and which type would be best. […] Some people with PPA experience agitation, aggression, delusions (negative or mistaken beliefs), severe anxiety, hallucinations, sleep disturbances and other behavioural symptoms. They are also known as neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). […] While these symptoms can be difficult for the person living with dementia and their loved ones, there are simple things that might help. It may be possible to identify the cause or trigger of aggression or agitation. A person’s physical health may affect their behaviour – for example pain, being constipated or needing the toilet.

• #54 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Compensatory tools may be developed to support communication. Paper-based tools, like a communication book, can be useful to anyone with PPA or PPAOS. High-tech tools like tablets and smart phones work for some people with PPA or PPAOS. […] After your first round of speech therapy, it is important for you and your family to visit your speech therapist every six months or so. Another round of therapy may be recommended as PPA progresses so that you and your family can learn new strategies to help communication. […] Additional therapies: Support groups, intergenerational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and others may all be considered, depending on the individuals interests.

• #55 Primary progressive aphasia treatments – Alzheimer’s Research UK

  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment/

  There may also be other therapies offered in your local area that could help; these might include exercise or group activities such as music therapy. […] You may be offered an antidepressant drug, either as an alternative to CBT or in combination with it. There are different types, or classes, of antidepressant; some are not suitable for people with dementia. Your doctor will be able to advise you if an antidepressant could help and which type would be best. […] Some people with PPA experience agitation, aggression, delusions (negative or mistaken beliefs), severe anxiety, hallucinations, sleep disturbances and other behavioural symptoms. They are also known as neuropsychiatric symptoms or behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). […] While these symptoms can be difficult for the person living with dementia and their loved ones, there are simple things that might help. It may be possible to identify the cause or trigger of aggression or agitation. A person’s physical health may affect their behaviour – for example pain, being constipated or needing the toilet.

• #56 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Compensatory tools may be developed to support communication. Paper-based tools, like a communication book, can be useful to anyone with PPA or PPAOS. High-tech tools like tablets and smart phones work for some people with PPA or PPAOS. […] After your first round of speech therapy, it is important for you and your family to visit your speech therapist every six months or so. Another round of therapy may be recommended as PPA progresses so that you and your family can learn new strategies to help communication. […] Additional therapies: Support groups, intergenerational therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and others may all be considered, depending on the individuals interests.

• #57 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  There is no cure for PPA, but some services and medications can help manage some of the symptoms of PPA. […] Medicines: Doctors may prescribe medications to help with some of the symptoms that come with PPA. […] Non-medicine services: It is important that a team of professionals with a lot of PPA knowledge work together to help the person with PPA and their family members. […] Speech-language pathologists (aka speech therapists) work with people with PPA and PPAOS and their families to understand the disease, how it impacts communication, and develop strategies to maximize communication in daily life. […] Speech therapy can help you improve your communication, and helps you keep your communication stronger for longer. […] Speech therapy should always be personalized to target words and sentences used in the persons daily life. Generic exercises do not have a place in speech therapy for PPA.

• #58

  https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment.html

  Many clinicians are involved in the diagnosis and care of individuals living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their families. […] Speech and language therapy is an important intervention for all individuals with PPA. […] Social workers are available in the Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic to meet with patients and families to develop a personal and customized approach to care. […] There are also life-enriching interventions that may be helpful for managing symptoms and maximizing quality of life, including speech-language therapy, support groups, creative arts therapy and individual counseling. […] For those with suspected Alzheimer’s disease pathology, Alzheimer medications (such as Leqembi) may be appropriate. […] Effective treatments for PPA will likely rely on knowing, at the individual level, which disease is causing PPA. […] Other medications may be useful for treating behavioral symptoms such as depression, anxiety and/or agitation, which may occur later in the illness.

• #59 Primary progressive aphasia treatments – Alzheimer’s Research UK

  https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/types-of-dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment/

  There are currently no medicines available to stop the progression of primary progressive aphasia, but there are treatments that may help with some of the symptoms. […] A referral to a speech and language therapist can be useful at any time after a diagnosis. The therapist will assess your speech, language and communication difficulties and how they are affecting you or making everyday life difficult. They may also help with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. […] People with PPA may also find it useful to see a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or dietitian. […] People with all forms of dementia may be offered antidepressants, or non-drug treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). People with logopenic aphasia may be prescribed medicines commonly used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

• #60

  https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/treatment.html

  Many clinicians are involved in the diagnosis and care of individuals living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their families. […] Speech and language therapy is an important intervention for all individuals with PPA. […] Social workers are available in the Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic to meet with patients and families to develop a personal and customized approach to care. […] There are also life-enriching interventions that may be helpful for managing symptoms and maximizing quality of life, including speech-language therapy, support groups, creative arts therapy and individual counseling. […] For those with suspected Alzheimer’s disease pathology, Alzheimer medications (such as Leqembi) may be appropriate. […] Effective treatments for PPA will likely rely on knowing, at the individual level, which disease is causing PPA. […] Other medications may be useful for treating behavioral symptoms such as depression, anxiety and/or agitation, which may occur later in the illness.

• #61 Get Primary Progressive Aphasia Treatment | Cleveland Clinic

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/primary-progressive-aphasia-treatment

  You may start taking medications to help manage the changes that can come with PPA. These can include drugs to help reduce anxiety or depression. And if we learn Alzheimers disease causes your PPA, you may also take medications for managing that condition. […] As you learn how to live with PPA, its important to follow your care teams recommendations. Take your medications as prescribed. Go to therapy sessions. And remember that regular check-ups with your providers are important. They let our team keep an eye on your condition and adjust your care plan as needed. As your condition progresses, we can help you find new ways to communicate. And we can put you and your family in touch with support groups online or in person.

• #62 Get Primary Progressive Aphasia Treatment | Cleveland Clinic

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/primary-progressive-aphasia-treatment

  You may start taking medications to help manage the changes that can come with PPA. These can include drugs to help reduce anxiety or depression. And if we learn Alzheimers disease causes your PPA, you may also take medications for managing that condition. […] As you learn how to live with PPA, its important to follow your care teams recommendations. Take your medications as prescribed. Go to therapy sessions. And remember that regular check-ups with your providers are important. They let our team keep an eye on your condition and adjust your care plan as needed. As your condition progresses, we can help you find new ways to communicate. And we can put you and your family in touch with support groups online or in person.

• #63 Treatment for Speech and Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia | MedPath

  https://trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/a5c6291b86d13e33/evidence-based-treatment-speech-language-primary-progressive-aphasia

  Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a progressive neurological disorder that causes a gradual decline in communication ability as a result of selective neurodegeneration of speech and language networks in the brain. […] Research documenting the efficacy of speech-language treatment for PPA is emerging, but limited. Systematic research is needed to establish best clinical practices in this unique patient population for whom pharmacological treatment remains elusive. […] The long-term objectives of this project are to provide evidence-based treatment methods addressing the speech and language deficits in PPA and to determine the neural predictors of responsiveness to intervention. […] Participants will be enrolled in treatment designed to promote lasting and generalized improvement of communicative function in core speech-language domains.

• #64 Primary progressive aphasia research updates – UChicago Medicine

  https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/neurosciences-articles/2024/november/primary-progressive-aphasia-papers-november-2024

  Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine are working to illuminate the struggles of those living with this condition and pioneer accessible treatment models. […] Even while working to establish objective measurements of PPA’s impact, Rogalski and her colleagues were simultaneously enrolling patients in a clinical trial exploring the feasibility of delivering speech-language therapy for PPA via telemedicine. […] We found a way to deliver care that creates a little bit more of an equal playing field, Rogalski explained. […] Despite these research advancements, challenges remain in diagnosing and treating PPA, and no drug or therapy that can cure the disease has been developed yet. […] But broadening understanding of PPA’s profound impact on quality of life and demonstrating the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions are meaningful steps that can encourage patients and families. […] Providing hope and practical support for these families is really important, Rogalski said. […] If we can ramp those up as much as possible while we’re simultaneously looking for pharmacological solutions, that’s a winning combination.

• #65 UCSF Primary Progressive Aphasia Clinical Trials for 2025 — San Francisco Bay Area

  https://clinicaltrials.ucsf.edu/primary-progressive-aphasia

  Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a disorder characterized by gradual decline in speech-language ability caused by underlying neurodegenerative disease. […] Increasingly, patients and families seek options for behavioral and neuromodulatory treatments to address PPA’s devastating effects on communication, prolong speech-language skills, and maximize quality of life. […] Studies have documented the robust benefits of speech-language telerehabilitation methods for persons with PPA, with in-home treatment resulting in immediate and long-term benefits. […] This project has the potential to enhance clinical management and rehabilitation for individuals with PPA by establishing the benefit of behavioral and neuromodulatory treatment that is neurobiologically-motivated and accessible for patients and families.

• #66 Primary progressive aphasia research updates – UChicago Medicine

  https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/neurosciences-articles/2024/november/primary-progressive-aphasia-papers-november-2024

  Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine are working to illuminate the struggles of those living with this condition and pioneer accessible treatment models. […] Even while working to establish objective measurements of PPA’s impact, Rogalski and her colleagues were simultaneously enrolling patients in a clinical trial exploring the feasibility of delivering speech-language therapy for PPA via telemedicine. […] We found a way to deliver care that creates a little bit more of an equal playing field, Rogalski explained. […] Despite these research advancements, challenges remain in diagnosing and treating PPA, and no drug or therapy that can cure the disease has been developed yet. […] But broadening understanding of PPA’s profound impact on quality of life and demonstrating the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions are meaningful steps that can encourage patients and families. […] Providing hope and practical support for these families is really important, Rogalski said. […] If we can ramp those up as much as possible while we’re simultaneously looking for pharmacological solutions, that’s a winning combination.

• #67 Combining brain stimulation with speech therapy shows promise for restoring language in primary progressive aphasia

  https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-combining-brain-speech-therapy-language.html

  Combining brain stimulation with speech therapy shows promise for restoring language in primary progressive aphasia. Primary progressive aphasia is a neurological condition that causes a gradual decline in language abilities. There is no cure or medication that can reverse or stop the progression of PPA. The standard practice in the clinical setting is speech-language therapy to help people with PPA maintain their ability to communicate. University of Arizona neuroscientists have come up with a new treatment approach for PPA that combines traditional speech therapy with noninvasive electrical stimulation of the brain. A new study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research describes the treatment approach, which the researchers found to be more effective at managing PPA compared to speech therapy alone. Twelve individuals with written language deficits each received two phases of treatment: in one phase, they got speech therapy paired with active transcranial direct current stimulation. In another phase, they received the same speech therapy with placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. Although all participants improved after both treatments, they showed greater and more lasting improvement following the phase with active transcranial direct current stimulation compared to placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. The researchers say brain stimulation helped induce neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to continue to reorganize and learn. And it boosted the effects of speech therapy. Because transcranial direct current stimulation is inexpensive, safe and easy to perform, the barriers to implementing it in clinical practice are less significant. Nickels said, „But we have learned through our research that even when there’s a progressive brain disease, we can help restore lost function and even slow down the progression.” […] The researchers’ long-term goal is to translate their research findings to a clinical setting.

• #68 Combining brain stimulation with speech therapy shows promise for restoring language in primary progressive aphasia

  https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-combining-brain-speech-therapy-language.html

  Combining brain stimulation with speech therapy shows promise for restoring language in primary progressive aphasia. Primary progressive aphasia is a neurological condition that causes a gradual decline in language abilities. There is no cure or medication that can reverse or stop the progression of PPA. The standard practice in the clinical setting is speech-language therapy to help people with PPA maintain their ability to communicate. University of Arizona neuroscientists have come up with a new treatment approach for PPA that combines traditional speech therapy with noninvasive electrical stimulation of the brain. A new study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research describes the treatment approach, which the researchers found to be more effective at managing PPA compared to speech therapy alone. Twelve individuals with written language deficits each received two phases of treatment: in one phase, they got speech therapy paired with active transcranial direct current stimulation. In another phase, they received the same speech therapy with placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. Although all participants improved after both treatments, they showed greater and more lasting improvement following the phase with active transcranial direct current stimulation compared to placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. The researchers say brain stimulation helped induce neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to continue to reorganize and learn. And it boosted the effects of speech therapy. Because transcranial direct current stimulation is inexpensive, safe and easy to perform, the barriers to implementing it in clinical practice are less significant. Nickels said, „But we have learned through our research that even when there’s a progressive brain disease, we can help restore lost function and even slow down the progression.” […] The researchers’ long-term goal is to translate their research findings to a clinical setting.

• #69 Treatment of Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4600091/

  These studies have shown encouraging results of language therapy, i.e., potential for new lexical learning in svPPA and lvPPA, benefit of implementing errorless strategies, the importance of early intervention, and potential for generalizability and retention of therapy gains. […] The positive effects of tDCS in motor and higher cognitive functions including language have been identified in studies of healthy controls. […] The clinical importance of tDCS requires establishing therapy generalization and maintenance of treatment in clinical populations. […] The consistent finding of generalization of treatment benefits to untreated items and the superior sustainability of treatment effects with tDCS justifies further investigations. […] Future research is needed to determine whether medications, used alone or in combination with speech and language treatment with or without neuromodulation, can be of benefit in reducing the rate of language decline in PPA.

• #70 Treatment for Speech and Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia | MedPath

  https://trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/a5c6291b86d13e33/evidence-based-treatment-speech-language-primary-progressive-aphasia

  This ambitious study and the necessary recruitment will be possible due to an ongoing collaboration with the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, a leading institution in the field of PPA research. […] The study will broaden the evidence base supporting the efficacy of speech-language intervention in PPA and will provide novel evidence regarding neural predictors of treatment outcomes, with the potential to inform clinical decision-making and improve clinical care for individuals with this debilitating disorder.

• #71 Speech and language therapy approaches to managing primary progressive aphasia

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986989/

  Group education and support, tailored to the needs of people with PPA and their families, can provide opportunities to practise and problem solve communication strategies with other communication partners. […] Nearly all those with PPA can potentially benefit from person-centred speech and language therapy. […] Speech and language therapists can provide a broad variety of interventions to meet the needs of people with PPA and their families.

• #72 Speech and language therapy approaches to managing primary progressive aphasia

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6986989/

  Group education and support, tailored to the needs of people with PPA and their families, can provide opportunities to practise and problem solve communication strategies with other communication partners. […] Nearly all those with PPA can potentially benefit from person-centred speech and language therapy. […] Speech and language therapists can provide a broad variety of interventions to meet the needs of people with PPA and their families.

• #73 Explaining Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://www.asha.org/slp/explaining-primary-progressive-aphasia/?srsltid=AfmBOoqT5ypOS21DpnKv36rBPHxhyTYs9CT6rvWiqsueDzAK1j_RehqZ

  PPA is more likely to occur in people in their 40s to 60s. There is no cure or direct treatment, but SLPs can help people manage the changes that occur in communication and thinking and put supports and care plans in place for addressing the progression of the disease (see How SLPs Can Help, below). […] SLPs help by learning an individuals communication priorities early and then putting systems in place that are supportive as the disease progresses. SLP services extend beyond the person with PPA. They include any or all of the following: […] Explaining the communication changes that a person is experiencing and finding strategies that support their participation in the things they want, need, and love to do. […] Introducing communication strategies and tools that may not be needed today but will be in the future so that they are well established before the person needs them.

• #74 Explaining Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://www.asha.org/slp/explaining-primary-progressive-aphasia/?srsltid=AfmBOoqT5ypOS21DpnKv36rBPHxhyTYs9CT6rvWiqsueDzAK1j_RehqZ

  Pairing different communication situations with different strategies, like using quick gestures or other signals for medical needs and recording the persons speech for later use for personal messages like their favorite dad jokes and bedtime stories. […] Working with the persons family and friends to be supportive communication partners and adapting to changes as they occur. […] Empowering the person to advocate for their communication needs everywhere they go and helping connect the person with resources and new communities. […] Helping a person maintain effective communication, which may look different as their condition progresses.

• #75 Primary Progressive Aphasia | The Aphasia Library

  https://www.aphasia.com/aphasia-library/aphasia-types/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Although all types of PPA are progressive, it can still be helpful to work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The SLP can select therapy tasks to try to maintain current levels of functioning for as long as possible. More importantly, SLPs can identify strategies and techniques to make communication easier as PPA progresses. […] It can be helpful to look into augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in the earlier stages of PPA. It is easier for someone to learn to use an AAC device while their comprehension is less impaired. This can lead to more successful device use in later stages of PPA. In addition, voice banking can be an option for people with PPA who begin to use AAC devices while they still have verbal language. This means that they can save messages recorded in their own voice. […] Using strategies recommended by an SLP and the rest of the medical team, people with PPA can continue participating in their communities and hobbies even as the disease progresses.

• #76

  https://aphasianyc.org/primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Presently, there is no cure for primary progressive aphasia. Treatment is to maintain function for as long as possible, and to make life easier for the person affected and those close to them. […] Talking to others, being socially active, and playing word games will maintain function for as long as possible. […] It is recommended that the person affected and those close to them become familiar with augmentive/alternative communication (AAC) early. It will then be easier to use when it is needed as the disease process progresses. […] AAC can be simple, such as a notebook or heavy sheet of paper with frequently needed phrases or words. It is helpful to pair the written words with pictures to make them easier to recognize. […] There are electronic forms of AAC. Smart phone or tablet apps that can be used as AAC. […] There are also dedicated devices. These are larger and more expensive. Insurance may cover it as a medically necessary device.

• #77 When the clinician becomes the patient: Maria’s story of living with Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://constanttherapyhealth.com/brainwire/when-the-clinician-becomes-the-patient-marias-story-of-living-with-primary-progressive-aphasia/

  What happens when the tables are turned and a speech-language pathologist is diagnosed with a condition for which she’s been treating her patients? Maria’s diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a neurological syndrome in which language capabilities become progressively impaired, was life-changing. However, this energetic, experienced SLP has taken on her diagnosis aggressively, and with the help of her husband Dan and best friend (and fellow SLP) Anne-Marie, works daily to slow the progress of PPA. […] Immediately after her diagnosis, Maria called upon her SLP training and experience, and her close group of clinician friends, to help set up a treatment plan. […] Knowing how critical the right therapeutic treatment is, Maria and Anne-Marie (acting as her primary speech therapist) devised a personal goal of not only maintaining, but also regaining language. They created a vigorous and personalized course of therapy and new communication strategies, including: Keeping a regular routine, Attending weekly language therapy sessions with Anne-Marie and bi-weekly sessions with another SLP, Getting regular intense physical exercise, much of which is done under professional supervision at a health system’s wellness center, Keeping her sense of humor, Continuing long-time hobbies like playing with her cats, painting, volunteering, playing card games with others, and doing jigsaw puzzles, Repeating names of objects frequently, and noting the correct name when getting some wrong, Making up fun acronyms for remembering names (like, “I really meow a lot” for Hurricane Irma.), Doing puzzles, Sudoku and Word Jumbles every day, Practicing Constant Therapy exercises every day.

• #78 Primary Progressive Aphasia

  https://dolifespeechpathology.com/primary-progressive-aphasia

  At LIFE Speech Pathology, we don’t just treat the symptoms of PPAwe support the whole family. […] We build on your strengths and help you adapt to changes over time, focusing on what you can do, rather than what youve lost. Together, we help you maximize function and stay connected to the people who matter most. […] When you book a consultation, you’ll start by completing our Communication Strengths Wheel. […] This simple yet powerful tool helps us assess your communication abilities and pinpoint areas for improvement, laying the groundwork for your personalized treatment plan. […] During your consultation, well review your assessment results and design a personalized plan tailored to your needs and goals. […] Your customized plan will address your unique communication challenges and provide a clear path forward. […] With your personalized plan in place, you’ll begin applying strategies to maintain and strengthen your communication skills. […] As your needs evolve, we’ll adjust your plan to help you stay connected and manage changes, ensuring you receive the right support at every stage.

• #79 A Multimodal Approach for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Progressive Aphasia (MAINSTREAM): A Study Protocol

  https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/7/1060

  Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a syndrome due to different neurodegenerative disorders selectively disrupting language functions. PPA specialist care is underdeveloped. There are very few specialists (neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, and speech therapists) and few hospital- or community-based services dedicated to the diagnosis and continuing care of people with PPA. Currently, healthcare systems struggle to provide adequate coverage of care that is too often fragmented, uncoordinated, and unresponsive to the needs of people with PPA and their families. […] Recently, attention has been gained by non-invasive brain stimulation techniques that allow a personalized treatment approach, such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). The MAINSTREAM trial looks forward to introducing and evaluating therapeutic innovations such as tDCS coupled with language therapy in rehabilitation settings.

• #80 Global perspectives on the management of primary progressive aphasia | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70156-5

  Speech-language therapists/pathologists (SLT/Ps) are key professionals in the management and treatment of primary progressive aphasia (PPA), however, there are gaps in education and training within the discipline, with implications for skills, confidence, and clinical decision-making. […] Best practice principles for SLT/Ps working with PwPPA were used to frame the latter two sections of this survey. […] Speech and language therapy is the primary intervention that can slow down the behavioral impact of symptoms, which immediately impacts positive engagement, participation, and quality of life. Such intervention has been shown to maintain communication abilities for longer through both compensatory and restitutive approaches. Early referral to speech and language therapy is imperative to optimize possible improvements, maintenance, and compensation for decline in linguistic capacity faced by PwPPA.

• #81 Global perspectives on the management of primary progressive aphasia | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70156-5

  In response to these concerns, a group of international expert clinician-academic SLT/Ps worked collaboratively to establish best-practice principles to guide SLT/P services for PwPPA and their families. […] The principles provide a framework for the essential components of SLT/P intervention and can be used to guide clinical decision-making, care coordination and service development in the SLT/P field. […] Furthermore, the best practice principles can guide the development of educational modules and training tools for future and current SLT/Ps seeking to provide consistent and evidence-based care for PwPPA. […] The findings support use of the best practice principles to guide the systematic development of education, training and professional support opportunities for the SLT/P profession.

• #82 Guide to Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

  https://www.expressable.com/learning-center/adults/guide-to-primary-progressive-aphasia-ppa-causes-symptoms-and-treatment

  How is primary progressive aphasia treated? […] It’s important to factor in the progressive nature of a PPA diagnosis. Speech and language therapy should be started as soon as possible so a care plan can be created. The speech therapist can identify strategies that will maximize the person’s communication and improve their quality of life. […] Every person with PPA is different, so specific treatment programs may vary as well. In addition, the course of treatment may change as the condition affects more areas of language and cognition. […] With the progression of PPA, speech therapy may focus on compensatory strategies to help the person communicate. […] In PPA’s least severe and early stages, speech therapy may include treatments that focus on improving language impairments. Some examples are Verb Network Strengthening Treatment, Semantic Feature Analysis, and Copy and Recall Treatment.

• #83 Language training for oral and written naming impairment in primary progressive aphasia: a review | Translational Neurodegeneration | Full Text

  https://translationalneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40035-021-00248-z

  The majority of studies have demonstrated improvements of naming abilities following language treatments. Given the progressive nature of PPA, it is essential to apply language treatment in the early stages of the disease. […] Several studies have suggested that word retrieval treatments, such as semantic, phonological and orthographic interventions, provide substantial benefits for naming abilities of PPA patients and often show a generalized effect on functional communication. […] It is important to note that the use of the same type of language training in patients with similar clinical features may often lead to different results. […] In line with these considerations, several studies have investigated the effectiveness of naming treatments, including semantic, lexical-phonological and lexical-orthographic interventions and/or the combination of them, in patients with progressive word-finding difficulties.

• #84 Primary progressive aphasia research updates – UChicago Medicine

  https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/neurosciences-articles/2024/november/primary-progressive-aphasia-papers-november-2024

  Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine are working to illuminate the struggles of those living with this condition and pioneer accessible treatment models. […] Even while working to establish objective measurements of PPA’s impact, Rogalski and her colleagues were simultaneously enrolling patients in a clinical trial exploring the feasibility of delivering speech-language therapy for PPA via telemedicine. […] We found a way to deliver care that creates a little bit more of an equal playing field, Rogalski explained. […] Despite these research advancements, challenges remain in diagnosing and treating PPA, and no drug or therapy that can cure the disease has been developed yet. […] But broadening understanding of PPA’s profound impact on quality of life and demonstrating the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions are meaningful steps that can encourage patients and families. […] Providing hope and practical support for these families is really important, Rogalski said. […] If we can ramp those up as much as possible while we’re simultaneously looking for pharmacological solutions, that’s a winning combination.

• #85 Global perspectives on the management of primary progressive aphasia | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-70156-5

  In response to these concerns, a group of international expert clinician-academic SLT/Ps worked collaboratively to establish best-practice principles to guide SLT/P services for PwPPA and their families. […] The principles provide a framework for the essential components of SLT/P intervention and can be used to guide clinical decision-making, care coordination and service development in the SLT/P field. […] Furthermore, the best practice principles can guide the development of educational modules and training tools for future and current SLT/Ps seeking to provide consistent and evidence-based care for PwPPA. […] The findings support use of the best practice principles to guide the systematic development of education, training and professional support opportunities for the SLT/P profession.

• #86 Primary progressive aphasia research updates – UChicago Medicine

  https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/neurosciences-articles/2024/november/primary-progressive-aphasia-papers-november-2024

  Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine are working to illuminate the struggles of those living with this condition and pioneer accessible treatment models. […] Even while working to establish objective measurements of PPA’s impact, Rogalski and her colleagues were simultaneously enrolling patients in a clinical trial exploring the feasibility of delivering speech-language therapy for PPA via telemedicine. […] We found a way to deliver care that creates a little bit more of an equal playing field, Rogalski explained. […] Despite these research advancements, challenges remain in diagnosing and treating PPA, and no drug or therapy that can cure the disease has been developed yet. […] But broadening understanding of PPA’s profound impact on quality of life and demonstrating the effectiveness of telemedicine interventions are meaningful steps that can encourage patients and families. […] Providing hope and practical support for these families is really important, Rogalski said. […] If we can ramp those up as much as possible while we’re simultaneously looking for pharmacological solutions, that’s a winning combination.

• #87 Primary Progressive Aphasia – The National Aphasia Association

  https://aphasia.org/aphasia-resources/primary-progressive-aphasia/

• #88 Primary Progressive Aphasia: Therapy Tips for the Speech-Language Pathologist

  https://tactustherapy.com/ppa-treatment-slp-primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Early treatment, a personalized plan, partner training, and planning for the future are important components of appropriate speech therapy treatment. […] We cannot stop PPA from progressing, but speech-language pathologists can help clients and families adjust their lives, compensate for their impairments, and keep the highest function and quality of life possible.

• #89 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250421/New-treatment-approach-offers-hope-for-people-with-primary-progressive-aphasia.aspx

  Although all participants improved after both treatments, they showed greater and more lasting improvement following the phase with active transcranial direct current stimulation compared to placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. […] The researchers say brain stimulation helped induce neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to continue to reorganize and learn. And it boosted the effects of speech therapy. […] Because transcranial direct current stimulation is inexpensive, safe and easy to perform, the barriers to implementing it in clinical practice are less significant, Nickels said. […] „There’s a misconception sometimes with neurodegenerative diseases, that once you get a diagnosis, there is nothing that can be done,” Nickels said. „But we have learned through our research that even when there’s a progressive brain disease, we can help restore lost function and even slow down the progression.”

• #90 Primary Progressive Aphasia: Therapy Tips for the Speech-Language Pathologist

  https://tactustherapy.com/ppa-treatment-slp-primary-progressive-aphasia/

  Early treatment, a personalized plan, partner training, and planning for the future are important components of appropriate speech therapy treatment. […] We cannot stop PPA from progressing, but speech-language pathologists can help clients and families adjust their lives, compensate for their impairments, and keep the highest function and quality of life possible.

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