What is PCA?
Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a rare, degenerative neurological condition that affects the back part of the brain—the region responsible for processing visual information.
PCA is often considered an atypical form of Alzheimer’s disease, though it may also be linked to other forms of dementia. It tends to affect people at a younger age than typical Alzheimer’s, often in their 50s or early 60s. In very rare cases, Posterior Cortical Atrophy has taken place in people far below the average age, with some as young as in their twenties.
What are the symptoms of Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
PCA primarily impacts visual processing rather than memory in its early stages. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty judging distances or spatial relationships
- Problems reading, writing, or recognising objects
- Trouble navigating spaces or using everyday tools
- Visual hallucinations or illusions
- Increased anxiety or confusion in unfamiliar environments
As the condition progresses, individuals may also experience more typical dementia symptoms such as memory loss or language difficulties.
What causes Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
The exact cause of PCA isn’t fully understood, but it is usually related to the build-up of abnormal proteins in the brain (such as tau or amyloid). These changes damage the brain’s visual processing areas, leading to the early symptoms of PCA.
