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Semin Speech Lang 1998; 19(1): 41-47
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1064034
© 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Aphasia or Dementia: The Cautionary Tale of Dr. JJ

Audrey L. Holland1 , Oscar M. Reinmuth2
  • 1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences and Center for Neurogenic Communication Disorders, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
  • 2Department of Neurology, University Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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Publication Date:
15 May 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This case study involves the differential diagnosis of aphasia versus dementia. However, the case of Dr. JJ is instructive from a number of aspects, presented here as “cautionary notes” which are intended to remind clinicians of sometimes-forgotten interpersonal issues in the diagnosis of disorders of speech and language. This case also is intended to illustrate that merely distinguishing between dementia and aphasia is sometimes inadequate, particularly when potentially transmittable (and in some cases, curable) dementias might be involved.

KEY WORDS

aphasia - dementia - Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease - Alzheimer's Disease