Primary Progressive Aphasia – A Mothers Struggles

Kimberly Williams-Paisley, wife of country artist Brad Paisley, has opened up about the struggles that her mother has faced. Her mother was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a form of dementia that is incurable.

Her mother’s diagnosis came in 2005 after she began to act irrationally during Kimberly and Brad’s wedding. Her mother who now resides in an assisted living facility continues to struggle with the illness.

In her NBC interview, Kim states, “I’ve learned the same thing from my children that I’ve actually learned from my mother, and that is to be in the present,” she said. “And I think that’s actually a gift that my mother got from dementia. And I think my kids have a similar sense about it. They don’t go and look at my mom and imagine how she used to be.”

Kimberly Williams-Paisley shares candidly about her mother’s dementia

What is Primary Progressive Aphasia?

According to the National Aphasia Association, Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a rare neurological syndrome in which language capabilities become slowly and progressively impaired, while other mental functions remain preserved. Unlike other forms of aphasia resulting from stroke or traumatic brain injury, PPA is a degenerative brain condition.

Primary Progressive Aphasia is not related to Alzheimers Disease.  Those who suffer from PPA will continue to be able to take care of themselves and pursue hobbies that they enjoy.  However, they will progressively lost their ability to speak, write, read and understand what they hear.

Cause and Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no know cause of PPA.  Although it typically effects the left hemisphere of the brain, it continues to be a very elusive illness.

Researchers and physicians are testing a variety of medications for PPA, however, there is no cure for the disease.