2022 ASSBI PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. Reflections on language and primary progressive aphasias

Abstract Primary progressive aphasias are rare younger-onset dementias. As the label denotes, these dementias are characterised clinically by marked changes in language skills. Evidence over the years has shown that individuals with primary progressive aphasia experience widespread cognitive and behavioural changes that extend beyond language. This evidence, however, seems to be largely ignored or downplayed. This article proposes that linguistic relativity which induces a cognitive bias may be responsible for this omission; it also indicates that a revision of the current diagnostic criteria may need to be revised.