Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read and/or write. It is usually caused by a stroke, neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s, brain tumor, head injury or another neurological condition that causes damage to the language areas of the brain.
Aphasia can be frustrating for both the person with the condition and their family members but it is treatable. With the help of a skilled speech language pathologist (SLP) and support from family, people with aphasia can improve their communication skills and their control of their language abilities.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with aphasia, reach out to our expert team for a personalized treatment plan.
Aphasia is a condition that disrupts someone’s ability to use and understand language. Aphasia can make it difficult for a person to speak, read, write or even follow conversations. The type of aphasia a person has depends on which part of the brain has been damaged.
Strokes are the most common cause of aphasia, but it can also develop after head injuries, brain tumors or neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease that damage the language areas of the brain. Treatment can help restore language abilities and improve communication.
There are different types of aphasia. They can cause various symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the part of the brain that’s been damaged.
Each type of aphasia affects language in different ways:
People with this type of aphasia have trouble understanding language. They may speak in long sentences that are grammatically correct and sound fluent, but don’t have any meaning.
This type occurs when the Wernicke’s area of the brain, which is responsible for understanding speech and writing, is damaged. It’s sometimes called Wernicke’s aphasia.
People who have expressive aphasia struggle to form words and sentences but can still understand language well. Their inability to speak clearly can make them frustrated.
This type of aphasia is caused by damage to the Broca’s area of the brain, which controls speech production. It’s sometimes called Broca’s aphasia.
This severe form of aphasia affects both speaking and understanding language.
It often occurs when multiple areas of the brain are damaged, and it makes communication extremely difficult.
Health care providers diagnose the type of aphasia a person has by assessing their speech to see how severe their symptoms are and imaging their brain to see what part of the brain is affected.
Aphasia occurs when areas of your brain responsible for language, such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, are damaged. Common causes include:
The more someone’s brain is damaged, the worse their aphasia will likely be. Diagnosing and treating aphasia quickly can help them recover more of their language skills.
Aphasia doesn’t only affect the people who have it. It has a major impact on their families.
Family members may feel helpless when they are trying to communicate with their loved one in the ways they normally do. Trouble understanding their loved one and being understood can make family members feel frustrated and emotionally stressed.
But family involvement is a key part of the recovery process. It’s important for family members to be supportive and patient.
A speech language pathologist can explain how to communicate effectively with loved ones and provide emotional support. Family members can also encourage loved ones to take part in therapy exercises at home, so they can keep making good progress.
Our speech language therapy services can help people with aphasia and their family members find ways to work through their challenges and improve communication skills.
Speech language therapy is the most effective treatment for aphasia. A speech language pathologist works closely with someone with aphasia to improve their ability to speak, understand language, read and write.
Treatment is personalized based on the type of aphasia and the person’s needs.
Therapy sessions may include one-on-one training, group therapy and technology-assisted communication tools. Regular therapy, practicing and family support are key to making progress over time.
Regular speech therapy can lead to major improvements in communication skills. People with aphasia can regain control of their language abilities. Therapy helps with speaking, understanding, reading and writing, and communicating better improves quality of life.
A speech language pathologist may use tools and techniques like speech exercises, thinking activities and strategies that improve communication. Over time, people with aphasia can rebuild their confidence in their language skills and strengthen their ability to interact with other people.
Aphasia can be challenging, but with the right treatment and support, people with it can regain their communication skills. Getting help from an experienced speech language pathologist is the first step toward better speech, understanding, reading and writing.
If you or a loved one is living with aphasia, reach out to Banner Health today for expert care and guidance. Our speech language pathologists create personalized treatment plans tailored to each person’s needs and encourage family members to be involved so they can support their loved ones throughout recovery.
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