The affective,behavioural,and cognitive reactions to a diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Objectives

Receiving a diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorder is life changing. Primary progressive aphasia is one such disease. Understanding how receiving this diagnosis impacts on individuals may help plan support services. However, limited qualitative research from the perspectives of people with Primary Progressive Aphasia are available for suitable care planning. Current literature primarily focuses on experiences of family members. The present study aims to fill this gap by examining the affective, behavioural, and cognitive experiences of people with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants with PPA. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to describe responses from participants on: (i) what they experienced prior to receiving their diagnosis; (ii) their experience of receiving the diagnosis; and (iii) how they were living with their PPA. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis to identify main themes.

Results

Analysis revealed a superordinate theme of Multifaceted Grief with subthemes described in sequence of research questions posed, representing the three phases of Pre-Diagnosis, Time of Diagnosis, and Post-Diagnosis. Themes collectively revealed participants’ ongoing experience of loss in dealing with the evolving challenges of Primary Progressive Aphasia. Experiences of loss emerged with descriptions of feelings, thoughts, and limitations in relation to changes imposed by the illness, impacting daily activities and life roles central to participants’ pre-diagnosis sense of self.

Conclusion

Participants’ affective, behavioural and cognitive reactions to their Primary Progressive Aphasia diagnosis marks the onset of Multifaceted Grief borne of loss of communication and cognition. Participants expressed a need for information regarding a possible Primary Progressive Aphasia trajectory and support to enable a successful transition as their disease progressed. Collaborative engagement between speech pathologists and people with Primary Progressive Aphasia incorporates addressing all levels of the International Classification of Functioning and Health by considering neurological, psychological, and psychosocial experiences of the person with the diagnosis.