Both men and women are affected equally after a stroke, occuring at any age. It’s usually seen in those over 65 years of age.
Symptoms of aphasia include difficulty speaking in complete sentences, difficulty understanding what others are saying, writing sentences that don’t make sense, and/or difficulty reading. There are many types of aphasia, but the most common ones are:
Broca aphasia have damage to the front part of the language-dominant side of the brain or called non-fluent aphasia. Broca aphasia is sometimes called expressive aphasia. People with this type of aphasia may eliminate the words “and” and “the” from their language, for example. They may speak in short, but meaningful, sentences. They usually can understand some speech of others. People with Broca aphasia often have right-sided weakness or paralysis of the arm and leg.
Wernicke aphasia is sometimes called a receptive aphasia or fluent aphasia. People with this type of aphasia may speak in long confusing sentences, add unnecessary words, or create new words. They usually have trouble understanding the speech of others.
People with global aphasia have trouble with speaking or understanding language and they have damage to a large part of the brain that controls language.
Individuals with anomic aphasia usually have difficulty finding the right words, especially names or objects. [That’s the kind I had, and I got better.] Speech and comprehension are mostly intact.
Aphasia is caused by these factors:
- A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts, cutting off blood flow to the brain.Â
- A severe blow to the head, gunshot wound, or other brain injury.Â
- A brain tumor can cause aphasia.Â
- A brain infection can cause aphasia.Â
- Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease can cause aphasia.
- Migraines, seizures, or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can cause temporary episodes of aphasia.Â
- CT scan: This imaging test uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.
- MRI scan: This test uses large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in the body without the use of X-rays.
- Positron emission tomography: This computer-based imaging method uses radioactive substances to examine body processes.
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is. The goal of treatment is to improve the ability to communicate through methods that may include:
- Speech-language therapy
- Nonverbal communication therapies, such as computers or pictures
- Group therapy for patients and their families
Some people with aphasia fully recover without treatment. But for most people, some amount of aphasia typically remains. Speech therapy can often help recover some speech and language functions over time. But many people continue to have problems communicating.
Miscommunication can sometimes be difficult and frustrating both for the individual with aphasia and for family members, friends, and colleagues. It’s important for family members to learn the best ways to communicate with their loved one. Speech therapists can often help with this. Suggestions might include:
- Include the person with aphasia in conversations.Â
- Simplify language by using short, simple sentences.
- Repeat key words or write them down to clarify meaning as needed.
- Use a natural conversational manner at an adult level.
- Encourage all types of communication, including speech, gestures, pointing, or drawing.
- Don’t correct the person’s speech.
- Give the person plenty of time to express themselves.
- Help the person become involved outside the home, such as through support groups.
For some people, computers can be helpful for both communicating and improving language abilities.
- A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help rebuild language skills using tailored exercises.
- Tools like writing boards, picture cards, or speech-generating devices can assist.
- Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide emotional support and practical tips.
Tips for Communicating with Someone with Aphasia
- Speak slowly and clearly.
- Use short, simple sentences.
- Give time for responses.
- Use gestures, drawings, or visual aids.
- Avoid correcting errors excessively—focus on understanding.
- Professionals specializing in aphasia rehabilitation. Request personalized therapy plans.
- Peer interaction can aid recovery and build confidence.
Assistive Technology
- Dedicated devices that aid communication by converting text or images into speech.
- One-handed keyboards or keyguards can be helpful for people with physical impairments from a stroke.
- Offer emotional and practical support.
- Aphasia Recovery Connection (ARC) provides online and in-person resources.
Tips for Caregivers and Loved Ones
- Use short phrases, yes/no questions, and visual cues.
- Allow extra time for responses and celebrate progress.
- Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC systems) describes multiple ways to communicate that can compensate or supplement, either permanently or temporarily, for the impairment and disability patterns of individuals with severe expressive communication disorders.
I always say these words and I implore you: don’t give up. There’s still a chance that you’ll recover, to a degree or completely, from aphasia. Other people do. Why not you?
I have aphasia but it has not affected my speech as such, although I do forget what I am saying mid conversation. It does however affect my ability to read and write. I have to use a microphone to write texts and emails and I have to use technology to read out text and emails to me. Many people find it difficult to understand this as my speech is relatively fine so they do not realise I have these problems and my brain does not work properly anymore due to frontal low brain damage following multiple strokes on both sides.