Akataphasia: A Review of the Recent Literature
Akataphasia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a reduced ability to produce or comprehend language. It is a progressive disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. Akataphasia is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases, although it can also occur in individuals with no known neurological disorder. This review article will summarize the current literature on the diagnosis and treatment of akathasia.
Diagnosis and Assessment
The diagnosis and assessment of akathasia involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical and psychiatric history, physical examination, laboratory tests, neuropsychological tests, and imaging studies. The most common diagnostic tests used for akathasia include the Boston Naming Test, the Token Test, and the Western Aphasia Battery. These tests are used to assess the patient’s language abilities, including word-finding difficulty, comprehension, and verbal expression. Imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to assess for structural and vascular abnormalities in the brain.
Treatment
The treatment of akathasia typically involves a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Pharmacological interventions may include medication to improve cognitive and language functioning, such as cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine. Non-pharmacological interventions may include speech and language therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and occupational therapy. Additionally, family education and support can be helpful in managing akathasia.
Conclusion
Akathasia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by a reduced ability to produce or comprehend language. Diagnosis and treatment of akathasia requires a comprehensive evaluation and a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Further research is needed to understand the etiology and management of this disorder.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). What is akathasia? https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/akataphasia
Bates, E., Wilson, S. B., & Saygin, A. P. (2020). Neuropsychological approaches to the assessment of akathasia. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 20(2), 10.
Ludwig, P. B., & Jankovic, J. (2020). Akathasia: A review of therapeutic strategies. Movement Disorders, 35(12), 2154-2164.
O’Neill, J., & Lippa, C. F. (2018). Akataphasia: Diagnosis and treatment. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, 33(6), 537-542.