Leukoaraiosis Severity Predicts Rate of Decline in Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Background: The rate of decline in language in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is highly variable and difficult to predict at baseline. The severity of diffuse white matter disease (leukoaraiosis), a marker of overall brain health, may substantially influence the rate of decline.

Aims: To test the hypothesis that leukoaraiosis is associated with a steeper decline in naming in PPA.