Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffPrimary progressive aphasia is caused by a shrinking (atrophy) of the central portion of the brain's left hemisphere — the language center. Scar tissue and abnormal proteins may also be present, and brain activity is often reduced.
References
- Progressive aphasia. The Association for Frontotemporal Dementias. http://www.ftd-picks.org/frontotemporal-dementias/disorders/progressive-aphasia. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- NINDS frontotemporal dementia information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/picks/picks.htm. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Degenerative diseases of the nervous system. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adams & Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill: 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3639106&searchStr=aphasia%2c+primary+progressive. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Semantic dementia. The Association for Frontotemporal Dementias. http://www.ftd-picks.org/frontotemporal-dementias/disorders/semantic-dementia. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Rogalski E, et al. Increased frequency of learning disability in patients with primary progressive aphasia and their first-degree relatives. Archives of Neurology. 2008;65:24.
- Haugarvoll K, et al. The genetics of frontotemporal dementia. Neurologic Clinics. 2007;25:697.
- Craft S, et al. Cognitive changes associated with normal and pathological aging. In: Halter JB, et al. Hazzard's Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology. 6th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5122009&searchStr=aphasia%2c+primary+progressive#5122009. Accessed May 25, 2010.
- Frontotemproal dementia. The Association for Frontotemporal Dementias. http://www.ftd-picks.org/frontotemporal-dementias/ftd-overview. Accessed May 25, 2010.

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