Primary Progressive Aphasia
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a rare dementia syndrome that affects a person’s language. Adults of any age can develop PPA, but it is most commonly diagnosed in persons under 65. Individuals with PPA may experience difficulties with word finding, word usage, word order, word comprehension and spelling.
Symptoms & Causes
Read a list of common symptoms and potential causes of Primary Progressive Aphasia.
Diagnosis
Find out what evaluations may be involved in making a diagnosis.
Care, Support & Treatment
Learn more about treatment options and explore our support services.
Research on Primary Progressive Aphasia
Research Studies
Those living with Primary Progressive Aphasia should consider enrolling in a research program affiliated with the center. Browse our list of ongoing studies recruiting new participants.
Primary Progressive Aphasia Care & Support
PPA Support Group
We offer support programs for individuals and families affected by neurocognitive diseases, including caregivers. One is specifically designed for those caring for people with Primary Progressive Aphasia.
PPA Participant Art Gallery
Many of our PPA research participants have left behind a unique gift for the Mesulam Center — their artwork. We have compiled a gallery of selected artwork from past and current participants.
Discover how art offers a profound, enduring means of communication and expression amidst language loss.
Publications on Primary Progressive Aphasia
Discovery of PPA’s Pathological Signature
“When you are able to understand the underlying pathology, only then can you find a treatment. You first have to disentangle the complex relationship between the symptoms experienced by the patient and the actual disease that destroys cells in the brain.”
— Tamar Gefen, PhD, lead investigator of a new publication in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology