Duration of life in the three common variants of primary progressive aphasia: A retrospective study in a tertiary memory clinic

Abstract Background Primary progressive aphasias (PPAs) are a group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by an insidious and language impairment. Clinical expression underlying pathology remain highly heterogeneous. To date, there is lack knowledge on the natural history each three main variants, particularly mortality. Moreover, advanced stages end life issues rarely discussed with caregivers families at diagnosis. In turn, this can cause additional psychological distress.We studied variants PPA. More specifically, we focused mortality in attempt to better prepare patients their families. Method We retrospectively all deceased diagnosis PPA that had been followed our tertiary memory clinic over past twenty years ( n =83). data included age onset symptoms, duration illness, death specific death. Result Age was similar across but less variability non‐fluent variant (nfvPPA) (M=76.6, SD=6.2) than semantic (svPPA; M=74.1, SD=8.5) or logopenic (lvPPA; M=76.1, SD=9.1) groups. symptoms earlier for svPPA participants (M=64.5, SD=8.3) then two other (lvPPA: M=69.3, SD= 10.7; nfvPPA: M=70.4, SD=6.3). Consequently, disease (number between symptoms’ death) longer (M=9.6, SD=3.0) nfvPPA lvPPA (respectively M=6.2, SD=2.1 M=7.0, SD=2.9). Surprisingly, unknown most participants. When available =15), it sepsis =6), respiratory failure =4), neoplasia =3) stroke =2), and. There were no differences causes among variants. Conclusion Despite svPPA. Causes per se PPAs. Future studies should include more emphasis Nonetheless, study provides useful information about common