Living with Posterior cortical atrophy
A rare brain disease in adults that affects visual processing and related skills while memory and language stay intact early on.
Understanding Posterior cortical atrophy
The eyes themselves are healthy. Memory and language are relatively intact in the early stages. Imaging shows shrinking (atrophy) of the back part of the brain. It usually begins in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Trouble with visual tasks despite healthy eyes
- Trouble reading (alexia)
- Trouble with math (dyscalculia) and writing (dysgraphia)
- Color vision changes
- Trouble coordinating movements (limb apraxia, ataxia)
- Anxiety and confusion
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Alzheimer's Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition but doesn't name a gene or describe an inheritance pattern.
Also known as: benson syndrome; biparietal alzheimer disease; pca; posterior cortical atrophy syndrome
Patient organizations
- Alzheimer's AssociationPosterior cortical atrophy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Posterior cortical atrophy.
Explore research for Posterior cortical atrophy
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