The Primary Progressive Aphasia
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a type of dementia affecting the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain, areas that play a major role in the processing of language.
People with PPA experience many common symptoms of aphasia such as word finding problems, difficulties building sentences and, in some cases, problems understanding language.
The main difference between PPA and other types of aphasia is in the progression of the disease.
- Aphasia acquired because of a traumatic event to the area of the brain that controls language, such as a stroke or head injury, does not worsen over time. On the contrary, many of those affected can hope at the very least for some degree of recovery, particularly in response to rehabilitation. We see often significant improvements in communication, and individuals report enhanced wellbeing and quality of life.
- In contrast, PPA results in the gradual degeneration of the brain, meaning that the symptoms become progressively worse over time.
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia (the TTA) was established to support people with non-progressive forms of aphasia, as experienced by its founder Robin Tavistock, later the 14th Duke of Bedford.
- We are the only grant awarding body in the UK dedicated to this area of aphasia.
- As there are other funders for dementia research, our Trustees will continue to prioritise non-progressive aphasia in our awards.
Having said that, projects focused on PPA may be eligible for our support, particularly in cases of small grants or where people with differing forms of aphasia will benefit.
- Those seeking support from the Trust who work in the field of PPA are also welcome to discuss eligibility with our administrator or Trustees.