Language impairment in neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract

Language and speech are among of the most complex activities, involving cognitive-linguistic processes, motor speech planning, programming control and neuromuscular execution. Two specific brain areas generate speech: -frontal Broca's area related to speech production and articulation, and -temporal Wernicke's area responsible for speech comprehension. However, organization of language and comprehension/production of speech are mediated by broader neural network covering several cortical-subcortical regions and their connections. Some disorders of nervous system show up with language/speech changes. Language in neurodegenerative diseases may represent a specific marker to distinguish language isolated syndromes, as primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and its variants, but also to diagnose neurodegenerative disorders characterized by language impairment within other cognitive and neurological disorders, as Parkinson, Alzheimer, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis. The study of language network may contribute to greater understanding of extension of neurodegenerative processes. Our article is a review on language impairments that characterize the most frequent neurodegenerative diseases.