What is Posterior Cortical Atrophy?
Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a rare and progressive form of dementia that affects the outer layer of the brain, known as the cortex, in the posterior (back) region. These affected areas of the brain are primarily responsible for processing visual information. As the disease progresses, nerve cells in this region deteriorate, causing increasing difficulty with visual awareness and spatial perception.
Researchers continue to study whether PCA is a distinct condition or a variant of Alzheimer’s Disease. The underlying cellular changes are similar to Alzheimer’s Disease, but the symptoms resemble Lewy Body Dementia, especially with visual and perceptual problems.
Who is Affected?
Posterior Cortical Atrophy most often affects adults in midlife (50s – early 60s), but it can occur at other ages.
It affects men and women at similar rates.
Many individuals with PCA are otherwise healthy at the time symptoms begin.
