Non-pharmacological intervention for posterior cortical atrophy

Abstract

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive visual-perceptual deficits. Although the neurocognitive profile of PCA is a growing and relatively well-established field, non-pharmacological care remains understudied and to be widely established in clinical practice. In the present work we review the available literature on non-pharmacological approaches for PCA, such as cognitive rehabilitation including individual cognitive exercises and compensatory techniques to improve autonomy in daily life, and psycho-education aiming to inform people with PCA about the nature of their visual deficits and limits of cognitive rehabilitation. The reviewed studies represented a total of 7 patients. There is a scarcity of the number of studies, and mostly consisting of case studies. Results suggest non-pharmacological intervention to be a potentially beneficial approach for the partial compensation of deficits, improvement of daily functionality and improvement of quality of life. Clinical implications and future directions are also highlighted for the advancement of the field, in order to clarify the possible role of non-pharmacological interventions, and its extent, in PCA.

Keywords: Cognitive rehabilitation; Posterior cortical atrophy; Alzheimer’s disease; Non-pharmacological intervention; Neuropsychological rehabilitation

Core tip: Non-pharmacological interventions remain scarcely explored as therapies for posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). Preliminary evidence suggests the potential of cognitive rehabilitation and psychoeducation. There is a need for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches in PCA.