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Some types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, share a connection with a certain kind of aphasia, known as primary progressive aphasia. Aphasia is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to understand, read, write, and speak words. The primary cause is damage to the part of the brain that controls speech, usually the left hemisphere. Aphasia typically occurs due to a stroke or acute brain damage. However, a certain type of aphasia called primary progressive aphasia may develop due to the slow degeneration of the brain from some types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s. This article reviews how aphasia relates to dementia. It also explores primary progressive aphasia symptoms, causes, and more. Aphasia and dementia Share on Pinterestdelihayat/Getty ImagesSome forms of dementia may cause aphasia. Dementia describes a range of neurological degenerative disorders that affect the brain. The most common form of dementia in the United States is Alzheimer’s, which accounts for 60–80% of all cases. Alzheimer’s typically begins by affecting the area of the brain that is responsible for learning. As the condition progresses, it can cause more severe symptoms that can include confusion, mood changes, unfounded suspicions of family members or caregivers, disorientation, and behavioral changes, among others. Alzheimer’s disease causes an unusual buildup of two proteins, called amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, in the brain. In most people, the condition affects areas responsible for memory. However, in some cases, the proteins may gather in areas related to speech and language. When this occurs, it can lead to the clinical diagnosis of a condition called primary progressive aphasia. Primary progressive aphasia Primary progressive aphasia is a type of degeneration of the brain’s frontal or temporal lobes. It can cause changes in a person’s ability to speak, write, read, and understand language. As it progresses, the condition will impact a person’s daily life and their ability to communicate with others. Primary progressive aphasia has three variants, which include:Semantic: A person with this variant may have trouble remembering the correct words, such as names, or understanding their meaning.Nonfluent agrammatic: A person with this variant may have difficulty speaking fluently with correct words or grammar.Logopenic variant: A person with this variant may have trouble coming up with the right words and may pause frequently while they speak. Symptoms of primary progressive aphasia Alzheimer’s can cause primary progressive aphasia to occur. In these cases, a person may notice speech changes first and only notice symptoms of dementia as the condition progresses. Alzheimer’s Research UK notes that the symptoms a person may experience depend on the variant of primary progressive aphasia: Semantic variant Those with the semantic variant can forget the meaning of words, objects, and concepts. Instead, they may use vague terms such as “thing” to describe what they mean. This can begin with words and names they do not use very often. As the condition progresses, a person may have difficulty with words they use more commonly. People with this variant may also:forget the function of everyday itemstalk about subjects in a vague or repetitive manner or at great lengthhave difficulty understanding what others are sayinghave difficulties with reading and spelling Nonfluent agrammatic variant Those with the nonfluent agrammatic variant may find it challenging to produce speech. They may have trouble producing words even when they know what they want to say, and it can take a lot of effort to speak. People with this variant may also:stutterspeak more slowlyfind it challenging to use the correct grammar when speaking or writinghave difficulty understanding long sentences Over time, a person may:develop hearing difficultiesfind reading, spelling, and writing more challengingfind it more difficult to make plans and decisionshave trouble understanding some wordsdevelop mood and behavioral changeshave difficulty swallowing Logopenic variant Those with the logopenic variant can speak and understand others. However, they may find it difficult to find the right words. A person may:pause while they try to remember wordsspeak hesitantly and slowlyhave difficulty understanding and remembering complex verbal informationbecome frustrated and agitated Causes The primary cause of aphasia is damage to the parts of the brain responsible for language and speech. Over time, dementia causes the cells in the brain to become damaged and lost. Although the exact cause of primary progressive aphasia is unclear, researchers believe the unusual buildup of proteins inside the brain cells may be a cause, suggesting that:the semantic variant may occur due to a build of proteins called TDP-43the nonfluent agrammatic variant may develop as a result of a buildup of tau proteinthe logopenic variant may occur due to a build of up the amyloid protein Risk factors Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have several potential risk factors, including:agegeneticshead injuriesdamage to the heartethnicity and race There are ethnic and racial disparities in Alzheimer’s rates. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, African Americans are about twice as likely as white people to develop the condition, and Latin Americans are about 1.5 times as likely. Genetics is also a potential risk factor for both primary progressive aphasia and Alzheimer’s. However, the genes involved vary. In primary progressive aphasia, the primary gene responsible is the progranulin gene. In Alzheimer’s disease dementia, the primary genetic risk factor is ApoE4. ApoE4 is not a risk factor for primary progressive aphasia, even in cases that develop as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. Complications Aphasia can cause challenges in interacting with others. In some cases, this may lead to:feelings of isolationdepressionanxiety Treatment and management Treatment for aphasia can vary greatly based on a person’s needs. It can often involve a range of specialists, from neurologists to physical therapists. Treating aphasia often involves therapy with a speech-language pathologist. Sessions may be individual or include family members. When aphasia is the result of a degenerative condition, treatment will focus more on what a person can do rather than trying to improve their language skills. Doctors and therapists may focus on finding ways to cope, such as using pictures or other forms of communication. Managing aphasia can involve several steps, including:using assistive devices that can range from a sheet of paper with pictures on it to assistive technology, such as pads or computershaving caregivers attend therapy sessions and important appointmentsusing gestures, body language, miming, and facial expressionsmaking sure to get a person’s attention before attempting communication For behavioral changes, a doctor may prescribe medications such as antidepressants or low dose antipsychotic drugs to help if needed. Supporting someone with the condition When speaking with a person who has primary progressive aphasia, it is important to:avoid finishing their words or sentences unless they ask for helpbe patient and understandingspeak clearlyengage in one-to-one conversations Over time, a person with primary progressive aphasia will require additional help. At this point, it is important to think about any changes that family or caregivers may need to make in the home. People may also wish to consider creating a power of attorney for healthcare, home care, and driving safety. Learn more about dementia and setting up a power of attorney for healthcare. FAQs Below are answers to some common questions about aphasia. Is aphasia common in dementia The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) states that those with the most common types of dementia usually have a mild form of aphasia. This usually involves having difficulty finding words and remembering names. However, primary progressive aphasia is rare. Dementia, like Alzheimer’s, typically affects the part of the brain that affects memory, not speech. As a result, it is not a common cause of aphasia. How is aphasia different from dementia Aphasia affects the part of the brain responsible for speech and language. Dementia affects the parts of the brain responsible for memory and high level thinking. What is the life expectancy for someone with primary progressive aphasia dementia Studies suggest that life expectancy varies between the variants of primary progressive aphasia. According to a retroactive study from 2021, once symptoms start, life expectancy may be:12 years for the semantic variant 7.1 years for nonfluent variant7.6 years for logopenic variant However, these are estimates only. A person’s actual life expectancy following the onset of aphasia can vary. Will aphasia get better in a person with dementia In the case of primary progressive aphasia, the condition will not improve and can worsen over time. Therapies and treatment may help improve a person’s overall quality of life. Summary Aphasia affects a person’s ability to communicate, while dementia affects the areas of the brain responsible for memory and thinking. Although aphasia is often the result of a stroke or brain injury, dementia can also cause it. A certain form of aphasia, primary progressive aphasia, is a type of degenerative disease that affects the speech and language portion of the brain. In some cases, it may be a form of atypical Alzheimer’s disease. Last medically reviewed on August 23, 2022Alzheimer's / Dementia 9 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Aphasia. (2017). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasiaAphasia. (n.d.). https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aphasia/Causes and risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. (n.d.). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/causes-and-risk-factorsFrontotemporal degeneration. (2016). https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/frontotemporal-degeneration/Overview: Aphasia. (2021). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/aphasia/Symptoms & causes of ppa. (n.d.). https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/dementia/primary-progressive-aphasia/symptoms-causes.htmlTastevin, M., et al. (2021). Survival in the three common variants of primary progressive aphasia: A retrospective study in a tertiary memory clinic. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8466819/What is Alzheimer's disease? (n.d.). https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimersWhat is primary progressive aphasia? (n.d.).https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/wp-content/plugins/mof_bl_0.2.9/downloads/PPA_0421_0423_WEB.pdfFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, M.D. — By Jenna Fletcher on August 23, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat is cortical dementia? Cortical dementia refers to dementias that damage the brain's cerebral cortex. Read about causes, diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and more.READ MOREDementia in the Black communityMedically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH People in the Black community are more likely to develop dementia than white people. This racial disparity is partly due to social factors. 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