Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA)

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a progressive degenerative condition involving the loss and dysfunction of brain cells, particularly at the back (posterior) of the brain.

In the vast majority of cases, this loss of brain cells is associated with the same pathological brain changes seen in typical Alzheimer's disease, so PCA is usually considered to be an atypical variant of Alzheimer's.

For more information on the symptoms of PCA, how it is diagnosed and how people with PCA can be supported, see Factsheet 442, Rarer Causes of dementia