Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

What is true about a person diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA)?

1. They have a history of progressive impairment of language

2. They have significant memory impairment

3. They experienced acute onset of a language disorder

4. CT scans show infarct in the language zone

The correct answer is: They have a history of progressive impairment of language

A person diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) indeed has a history of progressive impairment of language. PPA is characterized by a gradual decline in language abilities, which can manifest in various forms such as difficulty in speaking, understanding language, or finding the right words. This progressive nature differentiates it from other types of aphasia that may occur suddenly due to a stroke or traumatic injury. Over time, individuals with PPA may demonstrate a change in their language skills that progressively worsens, impacting their ability to communicate effectively. The diagnosis emphasizes the language deficits while sparing other cognitive functions in the initial stages, which is crucial in understanding the unique nature of PPA. In contrast, significant memory impairment is generally not a primary characteristic in the early stages of PPA, as memory functions may remain intact while language abilities decline. An acute onset of a language disorder does not align with the gradual nature of PPA; such an onset is more typical of other aphasia types, where a sudden event causes immediate language impairment. Lastly, CT scans typically do not reveal an infarct in the language zone for PPA, as the condition does not follow the same pathophysiological processes found in post-stroke aphasia. Instead, PPA