In caring for those with dementia, we were taught that dementia (according to the Mayo Clinic) is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. It is not a specific disease, but rather several different diseases encapsulated under the term of dementia.
What is PCA?
In our agency’s work as dementia specialists, we recently came across a rare and little known form of dementia called Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA). According to Rare Dementia Support, the symptoms of PCA usually begin before the age of 65 and people are often in their mid-50s or early 60s when they first experience symptoms. However, PCA can also affect older people and it can take a long time for people to receive the correct diagnosis.
Symptoms of PCA include:
- Problems with reading
- Issues with recognition
- Difficulty with coordination
- Issues with judging distances
- Light sensitivity
According to the Memory and Aging Center at the University of California San Francisco, “Although no cure for posterior cortical atrophy exists, several medications, as well as many non-pharmaceutical approaches, can potentially improve daily functioning and quality of life. Patients with posterior cortical atrophy can often benefit from physical and occupational therapy.”
For more information about PCA, visit the following websites: Alzheimer’s Association, Rare Dementia Support, or the Memory and Aging Center at the University of California San Francisco.
