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What is Aphasia?

WHAT IS APHASIA?

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand language, read, or write. It occurs when the language processing areas of the brain are damaged, often due to a stroke, brain injury, infection, or a neurological condition. Aphasia does not impact intelligence. Though they may not be able to communicate easily, people with aphasia still think, feel, and understand the world as they always have; they simply struggle to express themselves in words.

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Aphasia can range from very mild to extremely severe, sometimes making communication nearly impossible. It may affect just one aspect of language, such as recalling the names of objects, forming sentences, or reading. More often, however, multiple language abilities are impacted, while some communication pathways remain open, allowing for limited but meaningful exchanges for those with aphasia and their loved ones.

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Treatment for aphasia often involves speech therapy, the development and practice of defined communication strategies, and support from loved ones. While recovery varies, many individuals improve with practice, patience, and the right resources.

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Aphasia can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be isolating. With awareness, understanding, and support, people with aphasia can continue to lead meaningful and connected lives.

TYPES OF APHASIA

  • Global Aphasia
    The most severe form of aphasia, global aphasia significantly impacts both speech and comprehension. Individuals with this condition may have little to no ability to speak, understand language, read, or write. It often occurs immediately after a major stroke or brain injury but can improve over time with therapy.
  • Broca's Aphasia ("non-fluent aphasia")
    Also known as non-fluent aphasia, Broca’s aphasia affects speech production. People with this condition may speak in short, choppy sentences and struggle to find words, but their comprehension is often intact. People struggling with Broca’s aphasia understand what they want to say but have difficulty forming the words.
  • Mixed Non-Fluent Aphasia
    This type of aphasia is similar to Broca’s aphasia but is more severe, causing significant difficulty in both speaking and comprehension. People with mixed non-fluent aphasia may have limited speech ability and limited language comprehension. They may not be able to read or write beyond an elementary school level.
  • Anomic Aphasia
    The mildest form of aphasia, anomic aphasia primarily affects word retrieval. People with this condition struggle to find the right words, especially names of objects or people, but their speech is otherwise fluent, and comprehension remains strong.
  • Primary Progressive Aphasia
    Unlike other types of aphasia that result from sudden brain injuries, PPA is a degenerative condition that gradually impairs language abilities over time. PPA is caused by neurological diseases such as frontotemporal dementia. It worsens progressively, making communication increasingly difficult and frustrating.
  • Other Types of Aphasia
    Less common forms of aphasia include Wernicke’s aphasia, where speech is fluent but often nonsensical due to a lack of comprehension, and conduction aphasia, where individuals struggle to repeat words despite understanding them. Each type presents unique challenges, but with the right support, people with aphasia can develop strategies to communicate effectively.

Additionally, aphasia can present in many different ways, and not everyone fits neatly into a specific category. Some language difficulties may occur on their own, such as challenges with reading (alexia) or both reading and writing (alexia and agraphia), often following a stroke. In many cases, severe difficulty with numbers and calculation accompanies aphasia, yet some individuals retain strong math skills despite significant language loss.

SIGNS OF APHASIA?

Aphasia affects language in different ways, and its signs can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs include:

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  • Difficulty finding words – Struggling to recall the right words, even for familiar objects or people. Speech may include pauses, substitutions, or vague descriptions instead of specific words.

  • Trouble speaking – Speech may be slow, halting, or grammatically incomplete, with only key words used instead of full sentences. Some people may repeat the same words or phrases unintentionally.

  • Fluent but meaningless speech – Some individuals speak in full sentences that may sound fluent but lack meaning, contain incorrect words, or be difficult to understand.

  • Problems understanding language – Difficulty following conversations, especially when speech is fast or complex. People may struggle to grasp spoken or written instructions.

  • Reading and writing challenges – Trouble reading aloud, understanding written text, spelling words, or writing coherent sentences.

  • Difficulty with numbers and math – Problems with counting, basic arithmetic, or understanding numerical concepts, often occurring alongside language difficulties.

Recognizing these signs of aphasia early can help individuals get the right support and therapy to improve their ability to communicate.

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