Primary progressive apraxia of speech

Abstract

Primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) is the diagnosis given when apraxia of speech (AOS) is insidious, progressive, and the first or only clinical complaint in the absence of stroke or other neurologic trauma to account for the onset. Additionally, there are no additional problems (e.g., memory, language, or motor difficulties) that would meet criteria for a more specific neurologic diagnosis (e.g., primary progressive aphasia [PPA], Alzheimer’s disease dementia, corticobasal syndrome [CBS], or progressive supranuclear palsy [PSP]). This chapter will provide an overview of the creation of this diagnostic category, guidance on the differential diagnosis of PPAOS from other degenerative speech and language disorders, other neurologic diseases, as well as non-organic difficulties, and an introduction to possible therapeutic strategies for this patient population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)