Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a group of language led dementias where communication difficulties appear before memory loss. Despite this, diagnosis can often take years and access to specialist support remains inconsistent.

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, Dr Annalise Rahman Filipiak speaks with Professor Jason Warren, Dr Anna Volkmer and Dr Jacqueline Kindell about the role of speech and language therapy in diagnosing and supporting people living with PPA. The discussion explores why diagnosis is often delayed, how speech and language therapists contribute to multidisciplinary assessment and care pathways, and why early referral can make a meaningful difference for patients and families.

The conversation also looks at international differences in access to services, the importance of communication support across the course of the condition, and the growing global movement to improve awareness through Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day.

PPA Awareness Day 2026 - speechtherapyppa.com/ppa-awareness-day

About the guests

Jason Warren - Professor of Neurology at University College London and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. His research focuses on dementia, language disorders and diagnostic markers for primary progressive aphasia.

Anna Volkmer - Associate Professor and Consultant Speech and Language Therapist at University College London. Her work focuses on communication interventions and support for people living with primary progressive aphasia and their families.

Jacqueline Kindell - Speech and Language Therapist and Lecturer at The University of Manchester with extensive clinical and research experience in dementia and communication disorders.

Key Takeaways

• Primary progressive aphasia is a group of dementias where language difficulties appear before memory problems, which often makes diagnosis harder.
• Diagnosis can take several years because many dementia assessment tools focus on memory rather than communication and language.
• Speech and language therapists play an important role in diagnosing PPA by assessing language, communication and motor speech changes.
• Speech and language therapy is currently the main treatment available to help people with PPA manage communication difficulties.
• Early referral to speech and language therapy helps people and families adapt communication strategies and plan for future changes.
• Access to specialist speech and language therapy services varies widely depending on where people live.
• Communication support can improve quality of life and reduce wider pressures on health services by improving understanding between patients, families and clinicians.
• Primary Progressive Aphasia Awareness Day aims to improve recognition of the condition and promote early referral to speech and language therapy.

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

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