BACKGROUND

• Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) is a clinical-radiological syndrome characterized by a progressive decline in visuospatial and visual processing abilities.

• Accurate characterisation requires informant-based reports and standardized neuropsychological batteries alongside brief cognitive screening tools (BCS).

• We describe the demographic, clinical, and neuropsychological profile of a PCA case series from a specialized cognitive impairment center.

METHODS

• Eleven patients (mean age: 60.7 ± 7.5 years) with a clinical diagnosis of PCA were included.

• Clinical staging and functional impact were assessed using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale and the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ). The BCS tools included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS).

• A comprehensive neuropsychological assessment was performed using the Uniform Data Set Version 3 Neuropsychological Battery.

 

RESULTS

• Patients demonstrated marked functional impairment and moderate global cognitive decline.

• Neuropsychological performance revealed a characteristic posterior cortical pattern, with severe impairment in visuospatial construction and processing speed.

• Language functions were also affected, particularly confrontation naming and semantic fluency, while phonemic fluency was relatively preserved.

CONCLUSIONS

• The Peruvian PCA cohort showed a predominantly visuospatial cognitive profile and early age of onset.

• The UDS3-NB, complemented by informant-based functional measures, effectively captured the complex neuropsychological profile of this atypical AD variant.

• These findings underscore the need for specialized assessment tools in primary care to support earlier diagnosis and intervention.