Which feature best characterizes the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia?

• A. Lower word-finding problems with intact phonological working memory.
• B. Early semantic memory loss.
• C. Features prominent word-finding problems and impaired phonological working memory with relatively preserved single-word semantics early on.
• D. Nonverbal language deficits predominant.

Answer: (C)

Logopenic PPA is defined by problems with phonological processing and word retrieval, not by loss of word meanings or nonverbal skills. The core signs are frequent word-finding pauses and difficulty holding and manipulating sounds in memory, which makes repeating phrases or sequences hard. Yet, early on, the meanings of individual words are largely preserved, so single-word comprehension and understanding stay relatively intact. This combination—startled, slowed speech with word-finding trouble plus impaired phonological working memory while semantics stay relatively intact—is what sets this variant apart.

So, the best description focuses on prominent word-finding problems paired with impaired phonological working memory, with relatively preserved single-word semantics early on. The other options don’t fit: one suggests intact phonological memory, another points to early semantic loss, and another emphasizes nonverbal language deficits, which are not the hallmark of this variant.