How Do You Treat Cortical Atrophy?

Posterior Cortical Atrophy Treatment

Currently, there is no cure for posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), but certain strategies can help one manage its symptoms and improve quality of life. Regular physical activity and plant-based diets may support overall brain health. Additionally, collaboration with occupational therapists is often helpful, as they can create individualised compensation techniques based on the patient’s specific impairments.

Keep reading to learn the different ways to treat cortical atrophy.

Is There a Cure or Specific Treatment for PCA?

Based on the patient’s condition, healthcare providers may prescribe the following medication:

• Rivastigmine
• Donepezil
• Galantamine

Additionally, patients and their loved ones can do the following:

• Generally, reducing household clutter, incorporating non-visual prompts, and providing close supervision during complex or potentially hazardous tasks, such as meal preparation, can enhance safety.
• Each PCA patient should consult with their physician to assess driving safety. Specialised therapists are available to conduct formal driving assessments that evaluate an individual's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Driving assessments may be limited by availability; consult local resources.

Social workers play a vital role in supporting patients and their families throughout the progression of the disease. They can assist with the following:

• Future planning, addressing current difficulties through counselling, offering access to resources, and helping navigate the healthcare system.
• Locating support groups and activities that can benefit both patients and carers.

How Can Someone Care for a Loved One with Posterior Cortical Atrophy?

Caring for someone with posterior cortical atrophy requires taking into account the following aspects:

• It begins with gaining an understanding of how they perceive their surroundings. For instance, they might accidentally bump into a table, not because they did not see it, but because their brain did not process the visual information correctly, even though their eyes registered the object.
• One helpful approach is to create clear and unobstructed pathways to frequently used areas in the home.
• The individual’s healthcare team can offer additional strategies tailored to help maintain safety both at home and in public spaces while still supporting as much independence as possible.

How Does PCA Affect Vision?

Individuals with posterior cortical atrophy may have difficulty identifying objects in their peripheral vision or may perceive several nearby objects as a single one. Surfaces and depth perception can become altered.

There may be instances where objects directly in front of the person are not seen, leading to frequent bumping into obstacles. Here are some additional factors to consider:

• Reading: Difficulties may include losing track of their place on a page, skipping lines, seeing jumbled letters, or struggling with certain fonts and handwriting. Such issues can interfere with routine activities, such as entering a PIN at an ATM.
• Judging Distances and Depths: Tasks like crossing the street, navigating escalators, or climbing stairs can become problematic. Movement may be further hindered by shadows, lighting, or patterns. People may attempt to grasp objects but misjudge their position.
• Spatial Awareness: A reduced sense of direction can make following terms like “left” and “right” more confusing.
• Recognition: Identifying familiar objects or faces, particularly when they are not directly visible, can be difficult. Reading clocks or signs, especially digital displays, may also become challenging.
• Light Sensitivity: Bright lights or glare from reflective surfaces may cause discomfort. Some individuals may see unusual colours or patches of colour in dark environments.
• Coordination: Activities like dressing can be affected, leading to difficulties with buttons, zippers, or correctly orienting clothing. Everyday items such as kitchen tools or remote controls may also become harder to manage.
• Literacy: Spelling and writing may become increasingly difficult, and some may struggle to recall the shape or name of certain letters.
• Numeracy: Simple arithmetic tasks and handling money, such as managing coins, may pose difficulties.
• Mood: Emotional changes are also common, with some individuals experiencing depression, irritability, anxiety, or a general loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

What is the Life Expectancy for Someone with Posterior Cortical Atrophy?

The life expectancy for individuals diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy is generally similar to that of those with Alzheimer’s disease. On average, most people with Alzheimer’s live between 10 and 12 years after symptoms first appear.

However, it is essential to note that these figures represent averages, and individual experiences may differ. A healthcare provider can offer more personalised information based on the specific circumstances.

While there is currently no cure for posterior cortical atrophy, early diagnosis, tailored care strategies, and supportive therapies can significantly improve quality of life. Patients and carers should collaborate closely with healthcare professionals to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters independence and overall well-being.

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