Researchers have discovered a mysterious brain disorder that makes people forget the words they are about to say. The disorder called primary progressive aphasia is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease.
The neurological syndrome which begins gradually affects the speech and not the memory which what happens with dementia. This kinds of disorder cause difficulty in people in expressing their thoughts into words or finding the words to say.
Sadly, health professionals have little knowledge about the so-called mysterious brain disorder. In fact, PPA was only identified in the 1980s. Many people are suffering from it but they are no longer seeking medical help thinking that it is an age-related problem. Informing the public will be very helpful in understanding the disorder.
Individuals with PPA can still perform normal functions which make them think that they are in no need of medical attention. Unlike people dementia, they don’t repeat questions or keep forgetting instructions. According to Dr. Margaret Rogers of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, they can still drive, appreciate music and even handle their finances.
PPA shows symptoms similar to that of stroke or brain injury. The brain responsible for control language degenerates. Doctors usually use special MRI scans to diagnose the disease. Early detection is helpful in slowing down the symptoms of aphasia.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University are now trying to discover treatments for PPA by identifying the kind of brain stimulation that sends electrical signals through the skull. They aim to keep communication active.
In the study, they performed which involved 19 patients, the retrieving of words was improved. After two months, the patients were able to name more objects even without practicing. Their brain scans also showed better connectivity in the affected region.
The study is still starting out and the team believes that there is much to do to identify if the treatments will offer long term effects to the subjects.