"¿Cómo qué, cómo qué? cómo qué?" Single-language echolalia in a bilingual female with progressive supranuclear palsy: a case report

Authors

• Lubnaa B. Abdullah, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Esti Blanco Elorietta
• David Lee Valdez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2024

Abstract

The case study explores bilingualism and neurodegenerative disorders, specifically progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) with speech and language disorder (PSP-SL). It features a 78-year-old Mexican American woman who exhibits echolalia only in response to Spanish. This selective impairment suggests unevenly affected language control mechanisms despite her proficiency in both languages. Cognitive function is evaluated with neuropsychological tests; she's diagnosed with PSP-SL, depression, and anxiety. Echolalia in response to one language implies complex phonological retrieval mechanisms. Such observations prompt further inquiry into bilingual language control and processing mechanisms. The case supports evidence that bilingualism may attenuate neurodegeneration effects, suggesting better inhibitory control over disinhibited speech through enhanced executive functioning benefits.

Comments

© 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Recommended Citation

Abdullah, L., Blanco Elorietta, E., & Valdez, D. L. (2024). “¿ Cómo qué, cómo qué? cómo qué?” Single-language echolalia in a bilingual female with progressive supranuclear palsy: a case report. Neurocase, 30(3), 106-113. https://doi.org/10.1080/13554794.2024.2377206

Publication Title

Neurocase

DOI

10.1080/13554794.2024.2377206

Academic Level

faculty

Mentor/PI Department

Psychiatry