Localization of Alexia with Agraphia and Alexia without Agraphia

Clinical Characteristics

Alexia with agraphia is primarily localized to the left angular gyrus in the dominant parietal lobe, and is often associated with other language impairments as part of a progressive aphasic syndrome, with a strength of evidence based on studies published in Alzheimer's and Dementia 1, 2
Alexia with agraphia may present as part of posterior cortical atrophy syndrome with visuospatial dysfunction, according to research published in Alzheimer's and Dementia 1, 3
The American Academy of Neurology recommends considering Alzheimer's disease as the most common etiology of alexia with agraphia, with frontotemporal lobar degeneration-corticobasal degeneration and Lewy body dementia as less common causes, based on evidence from Alzheimer's and Dementia 1, 2
The presence of alexia with agraphia may indicate underlying neurodegenerative disease requiring comprehensive management, as suggested by research in Alzheimer's and Dementia 1, 2, 3

Neuroimaging, such as MRI, is crucial to identify the specific lesion locations, including the left angular gyrus in alexia with agraphia, according to Alzheimer's and Dementia 1
Early recognition of these syndromes is important for appropriate rehabilitation planning, and patients with alexia without agraphia may benefit from specific reading rehabilitation techniques, despite being initially thought unsuitable for rehabilitation, as noted in studies published in Alzheimer's and Dementia 1, 2, 3