Description

Posterior cortical atrophy is a brain and nervous system syndrome that causes the death of brain cells over time. This will cause problems with the view and with the processing of visual information.

Common symptoms include difficulty reading, judging distances and reach for objects. People with down syndrome may not be able to recognize the objects and familiar faces. They may also have problems to do the calculations. With time, this condition can cause a decline in memory and thinking skills, known as cognitive skills.

Posterior cortical atrophy causes of the loss of brain cells in the posterior part of the brain. This is the region responsible for visual processing and spatial reasoning. This changes a person's ability to process visual and spatial information.

In more than 80% of cases, posterior cortical atrophy is due to Alzheimer's disease. However, it may be due to other neurological conditions such as dementia with Lewy bodies or the degeneration corticobasal.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cortical atrophy Subsequent to vary between people. The symptoms may also vary with time. They tend to gradually get worse. Common symptoms include problems with:

  • Reading, writing, or math.
  • Driving.
  • Dress.
  • To establish the difference between the moving objects and the ones that follow.
  • To judge how far away objects are.
  • The use of everyday objects or tools.
  • The identification of the left and right.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Anxiety.
  • Confusion.
  • Changes in behavior and personality.

Memory problems can occur later in the disease.

Causes

The most common cause of posterior cortical atrophy is a form of Alzheimer's disease, which is not typical. It affects the back part of the brain. Other less common causes include the degeneration corticobasal, Lewy body dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The researchers are looking for possible variations of genes that may be related to the disease.

Risk factors

Further studies are needed to determine whether risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may play a role in posterior cortical atrophy.

Diagnosis

Because the early symptoms are often visual, posterior cortical atrophy may be incorrectly diagnosed as a disorder of the vision. It is important to see a neurologist or a neuro-ophthalmologist, who can properly diagnose your condition. A neurologist is trained in brain and nervous system conditions. A neuro-ophthalmologist specializing in neurology and conditions related to vision.

To diagnose posterior cortical atrophy, a specialist will review your medical history and symptoms. This includes vision problems. The specialist will also conduct a physical exam and a neurological exam.

Several tests can help diagnose your condition. The tests can also rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Tests may include:

  • The Mental status and neuropsychological tests. You will be asked questions and tests to assess their cognitive skills. You also may be assessed for depression or other mental disorders.
  • Blood tests. Your blood can be tested for vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorders and other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
  • Ophthalmology examination. An eye exam can determine if another condition such as a problem within their eyes is the cause of your symptoms of vision.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An mri machine uses powerful radio waves and a magnetic field to create a 3D view of your brain. In this test, the doctor can see the changes in the brain that may be causing your symptoms.
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)PETimaging or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In these tests, a small amount of radioactive material that is injected into a vein. Images taken using a full-size machine. You lie on a padded table that slides into the part of the machine that looks like a donut hole. PET provides visual images of brain activity. SPECT measures blood flow in the regions of the brain.
  • The spinal fluid of the test. This test involves removing a small amount of fluid that protects the brain and the spinal cord. This test can measure amyloid and tau proteins that are the hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

Treatment

There are No treatments to cure or slow the progression of cortical atrophy later. Some research suggests that the medicines used to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease can help to manage the symptoms of cortical atrophy later. However, this has not been proven and further research is needed.

Some of the therapies and medications may help control your condition. They may include:

  • Drugs. Your health care provider may give you medicines to treat the symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
  • Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or cognitive therapy. These therapies can help restore or maintain the skills that are affected by the cortical atrophy later.
Symptoms and treatment of cortical atrophy Later