Expanding the clinical presentations of primary progressive aphasia: evidence of progressive dynamic aphasia

Authors

Petronilla Battista, University of California San Francisco
Valentina Borghesani, Université de Montréal
Michael Erkkinen, University of California San Francisco
Maxime Montembeault, University of California San Francisco
Boon Lead Tee, University of California San Francisco
Eduardo Europa, California State University, ChicoFollow
Ariane Welch, University of California San Francisco
Suzee E. Lee, University of California San Francisco
Bruce Miller, University of California San Francisco
Maria Luisa Mandelli, University of California San Francisco
Maria Luisa Gorno Tempini, University of California San Francisco
Zachary A. Miller, University of California San Francisco

Publication Date

5-3-2022

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Title

Neurology

Volume

98

Issue

18

Abstract

Objective: To provide an in-depth longitudinal cognitive and neuroimaging description of a case of progressive dynamic aphasia.
Background: In 1966 Luria detailed a group of patients with left-sided prefrontal lesions who exhibited dramatic reductions in verbal output, despite preserved naming, comprehension and repetition, which he termed dynamic aphasia. Most often the result of tumor or ischemic disease, rare reports of progressive, neurodegenerative presentations have been detailed.
Design/Methods: NA
Results: We present a 48-year-old, right-handed woman, referred to the UCSF Memory and Aging Center for 3-years progressive reduction in spontaneous speech output and a diagnosis of non-fluent primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA). On examination, she showed no evidence of motor speech hesitation, repetition difficulties, grammar changes or loss of semantic knowledge and thus did not meet formal nfvPPA criteria. Instead, her presentation was notable for a gradual lack of motivation in generating speech and difficulty in organizing verbal propositions (confirmed by formal speech-language assessment). Her apathy for verbal information, did not extend into other behavioral domains, nor was there any evidence of disinhibition, loss of empathy, repetitive behaviors, or executive dysfunction. Brain imaging revealed asymmetric, L>R atrophy within the dorsal-medial prefrontal cortex and supplementary motor area. By the third visit, her speech was now sparse and stereotypic, but remained without effort or groping. Her symptoms of restricted verbal apathy had now expanded into naming and single-word comprehension deficits, she developed symptoms of hyperorality, loss of empathy, disinhibition, and executive dysfunction. Atrophy on imaging progressed bilaterally, L>R, into cingulo-insular, orbitofrontal and hippocampal regions.
Conclusions: This individual’s clinical profile, characterized by striking reduction in propositional voluntary speech with relative sparing of naming, comprehension and repetition does not meet criteria for a specific PPA variant. Her presentation most closely approximates that of a progressive dynamic aphasia and argues for an expansion of current clinical subtypes within PPA.
Disclosure: Dr. Battista has nothing to disclose. Valentina Borghesani has nothing to disclose. Dr. Erkkinen has nothing to disclose. Maxime Montembeault has nothing to disclose. The institution of Boon Lead Tee, MD has received research support from Global Brain Health Institute. The institution of Boon Lead Tee, MD has received research support from Alzheimer's Association. Dr. Europa has nothing to disclose. An immediate family member of Ariane E Welch has received stock or an ownership interest from Square Inc. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Maria Luisa Mandelli has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Gorno Tempini has received research support from NIH. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose.

Department

Communicative Disorders and Sciences

Recommended Citation

Petronilla Battista, Valentina Borghesani, Michael Erkkinen, Maxime Montembeault, Boon Lead Tee, Eduardo Europa, Ariane Welch, Suzee E. Lee, Bruce Miller, Maria Luisa Mandelli, Maria Luisa Gorno Tempini, and Zachary A. Miller. "Expanding the clinical presentations of primary progressive aphasia: evidence of progressive dynamic aphasia" Neurology (2022).