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What is Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA)?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Surbhi Chaturvedi , Neurologist
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare brain condition that slowly damages the back part of the brain, called the posterior cortex. This area helps you understand what you see read, and how you move in space. When this area is affected, daily tasks can become confusing or challenging.
Unlike typical memory problems seen in Alzheimer's, people with PCA usually have trouble with vision and understanding what they're looking at, even though their eyes are healthy. It often starts in midlife, usually in people in their 50s or 60s.
Key points to know:
- It troubles recognising faces, reading, or judging distances.
- Difficulty dressing, driving, or finding objects.
- It may initially remain normal, but it can decline over time.
- The Symptoms gradually worsen over time.
What Are the Symptoms of Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a condition that affects the back part of the brain. Because of this, the symptoms are mostly related to vision and how your brain processes visual information, not the eyes themselves. It can be confusing because people may think they have eye problems when their eyes are actually healthy.
If you or someone you know has PCA, here are common symptoms to watch for:
- Trouble reading: Words might blur, skip, or become hard to follow on a page.
- Difficulty recognising objects: Everyday items may look unfamiliar, or you might not know what you're looking at right away.
- Problems judging distance or depth: You may misjudge the height of stairs, steps, or the location of a chair.
- Getting lost in familiar places: Even at home or on regular routes, you might feel disoriented.
- Struggling with coordination: Buttons, zippers, or pouring liquids can become harder as visual guidance weakens.
- Difficulty finding things in clutter: Items on a crowded shelf or table might "disappear" even though they're right there.
- Trouble with writing or spelling: Writing may become messy, or letters might be left out.
- Seeing multiple images or visual illusions: Some people see things twice or see things that aren't there.
- Reading numbers or telling time can become difficult: clocks, watches, or prices can be challenging to understand.
- Increasing anxiety or frustration: These challenges can make daily life confusing and stressful.
It's important to know these symptoms aren't about the eyes failing but about the brain struggling to process visual information. If you notice these signs, talk with a doctor. Early evaluation can help you understand what's happening and find ways to manage daily tasks more comfortably.
What Are the Causes of Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a condition in which the back part of the brain slowly shrinks and loses its function. It's often described as a form of Lewy body dementia that mainly affects vision and the ability to interpret shapes, distances, and written words, even though the eyes themselves are healthy.
The exact cause of PCA isn't fully understood, but doctors believe several factors may contribute.
Here's what you should know:
- Alzheimer's disease changes: In many cases, the same harmful changes in the brain that cause Alzheimer's also cause PCA. Proteins build up in the brain and damage nerve cells, especially at the back of the brain.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A very rare condition caused by infectious proteins called prions. It leads to fast brain cell damage, affecting many areas, including vision.
- Corticobasal Degeneration: A rare brain disorder that causes stiff movements and can damage the back of the brain, leading to vision and coordination problems.
- Abnormal protein deposits: Certain proteins (like amyloid and tau) can collect in the brain and lead to nerve damage. This buildup harms the brain's communication system.
- Genetic factors: While most people with PCA don't have a strong family history, there may be a small genetic component that increases risk in some cases.
- Age-related brain changes: Most people diagnosed with PCA develop symptoms between the ages of 50 and 65. Natural changes in the brain over time may make some people more vulnerable.
- Other underlying diseases: Rarely, other types of brain conditions or degenerative diseases can also lead to PCA.
Though the exact cause is hard to pin down for each person, understanding these factors can help doctors plan the best approach for care and support.
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Get Second OpinionHow Is Posterior Cortical Atrophy Diagnosed?
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is tricky to diagnose because its early symptoms often look like eye or vision problems. But it's actually caused by changes in the back part of the brain, which handles seeing and understanding what you see.
Doctors use a mix of careful questions, examinations, and brain scans to find out if someone has PCA. The goal is to understand if the problems are coming from the brain rather than the eyes.
Important Tests for Posterior Cortical Atrophy
Diagnosing posterior cortical atrophy needs more than just one test. Because the symptoms can be confusing, often mistaken for regular eye problems, doctors need a full picture to be sure.
Here are the most important tests and checks doctors usually use:
Eye Examination
- Check for eye diseases like cataracts or glaucoma.
- Rules out eye-related causes of vision trouble.
Cognitive Assessments
- Simple paper or computer tests.
- Measure memory, problem-solving, and understanding of visual information.
- Helps show if the brain's visual processing is affected.
Brain Imaging
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Neurological Exam
- Done by a brain specialist.
- Checks balance, movement, reflexes, and thinking.
- Helps rule out other brain conditions.
These tests together help doctors understand the real cause of symptoms. Getting the right diagnosis means better planning for treatment, support, and living with PCA.
How Is Posterior Cortical Atrophy Treated?
Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) doesn't have a cure, but treatment focuses on helping you manage symptoms and maintain daily life. It's important to remember you're not alone; doctors and therapists can help make things easier.
PCA Treatment is very personal. Your doctor will look at your symptoms and help you choose the best ways to cope. The goal is to keep you as independent and comfortable as possible.
Key parts of treatment include:
- Medications: While there's no drug specifically for PCA, doctors may use medications that help with memory or thinking. These are often the same drugs used for Alzheimer's disease.
- Occupational Therapy: Therapists teach practical ways to adapt your home and daily routine. This might include better lighting or using labels to help with reading and finding items.
- Vision Support: Even though the eyes may be healthy, the brain has trouble processing what you see. Specialists can help with large-print materials, better contrast, and simple layouts.
- Speech and Language Therapy: Helps if you have trouble finding words or understanding speech.
- Emotional Support: It's normal to feel frustrated or worried. Counselling and support groups can help you and your family cope.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Staying active, eating balanced meals, and socialising can keep you feeling your best.
Doctors will adjust your plan over time as your needs change. By working together with your care team, you can find ways to stay independent and enjoy life for as long as possible.
When to See a Doctor for Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
If you or a loved one is experiencing changes in vision or thinking, it's important not to ignore them. Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) affects how the brain processes visual information, and early care can help you manage symptoms better.
Consider seeing a doctor if you notice:
- Trouble reading, recognising faces, or judging distances
- Difficulty with daily tasks like pouring drinks or finding items
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Confusion about where objects are, even though eyesight tests are normal
- Trouble with writing, spelling, or using numbers
- Feeling frustrated, anxious, or withdrawn because of these changes
Don't wait too long. Talking with a doctor early on can help you understand what's happening and plan the best care. Getting the right support makes living with PCA more manageable for you and your family.
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What is the Recovery Process After Posterior Cortical Atrophy Treatment?
Recovering from posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) isn't about curing the disease but about learning to manage symptoms better. It's a gradual, supportive process focused on keeping you as independent and comfortable as possible.
You can expect:
- Regular doctor visits to check your vision and thinking skills
- Occupational therapy to help with daily tasks like dressing or cooking
- Vision therapy to adjust to changes in how you see things
- Support groups or counselling to help you and your family cope
- Medications may help with related symptoms like anxiety or mood changes
- Home safety adjustments like better lighting and fewer trip hazards
Recovery means working with your care team to adapt to changes and make life easier and safer.
How can I prevent Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
While there's no known way to completely prevent PCA, you can take steps to support overall brain health and prepare for changes.
Prevention Tips:
- Stay mentally active with reading, puzzles, or learning new skills
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Exercise regularly to support blood flow to the brain
- Manage conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
PCA Complications:
- Progressive vision problems make reading or driving hard
- Difficulty with daily activities like dressing or cooking
- Memory and thinking challenges over time
- Emotional changes, such as anxiety or frustration
- Greater need for home help or assisted living
Our Experience in Treating Posterior Cortical Atrophy
At Medicover, we understand how worrying it can be to face changes in vision and thinking because of Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA). Our team is here to support you and your family every step of the way.
We've helped many patients manage PCA by focusing on their unique needs and comfort. We know living with PCA can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, you're not alone. We're here to make sure you get the right care and feel safe, supported, and heard at every stage.
