Neuropsychometric Differences in Posterior Cortical Atrophy and Alzheimer’s Disease

INTRODUCTION: Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a rare syndrome also known as the visual variant of Alzheimer’s disease, has been the subject of limited neuropsychological research. This study aimed to examine neuropsychometric deterioration patterns in PCA and compare them with those in typical Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
METHODS: The study included 19 patients diagnosed with AD (n=12) or PCA (n=7) who were treated at a private hospital. Neuropsychometric data assessing cognitive domains including attention, memory, executive functions, visuospatial skills, and language were collected.
RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that the PCA group had significantly higher long-term spontaneous recall scores on the Öktem Verbal Memory Processes Test (p=0.021) compared with the AD group. Additionally, Benton Face Recognition Test scores were significantly lower in the PCA group (p=0.032). Although not statistically significant, immediate visual memory scores were lower in the PCA group (p=0.092) compared with AD patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study aimed to facilitate differential diagnosis through neuropsychological tests. Although this aim was not fully achieved, the results are valuable. Larger studies with more comprehensive test batteries may provide further insight into differential diagnosis and support cognitive rehabilitation approaches.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropsychologic tests, posterior cortical atrophy