Spatial neglect in a patient with logopenic progressive aphasia

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Spatial neglect and extinction typically result from damage to the posterior superior temporal and inferior parietal regions.
• Logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA) involves degeneration in these same brain areas, yet the co-occurrence of attentional deficits has not been previously reported.

Observation:

• A 53-year-old male diagnosed with LPA presented with significant right-sided spatial neglect, evidenced by line bisection and drawing tasks.
• The patient also exhibited multimodal extinction, a condition where stimuli are not perceived when presented simultaneously to both sides of the body.

Findings:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revealed left hemispheric posterior temporoparietal atrophy in the patient.
• This anatomical finding supports the overlap in brain regions affected by LPA and those responsible for spatial neglect and extinction.

Implications:

• The overlapping neuropathology suggests that patients diagnosed with logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA) are at risk for developing spatial neglect and extinction.
• Routine screening for these attentional disorders in LPA patients is recommended to ensure comprehensive care and management.