Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a neurodegenerative condition primarily characterized by visuospatial deficits. Research on visual, spatial orientation, and functional impairments in PCA patients is limited. This report explores the impact of occupational therapy on 5 PCA cases with severe visuospatial and functional difficulties over 2 years. Patients, diagnosed through neuropsychological assessments and brain imaging, underwent occupational therapy focusing on cognitive remediation and rehabilitation strategies. Interventions included attention to contextual characteristics and errorless learning to promote independence in self-care. Two patients showed notable improvement on the Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment, while 4 demonstrated slight functional gains in activities such as grooming, bathing, dressing, and stair navigation. These findings suggest that cognitive stimulation and training can slow the decline in visuospatial skills and improve daily function. Future studies should incorporate a control group receiving standard occupational therapy and evaluate the long-term impact of these interventions on patients with PCA.
Hsu et al. (2024) studied this question.