Aphasia

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a condition that makes it difficult for the sufferer to communicate. Aphasia affects oral communication, both speaking and comprehension, as well as written communication, both reading and writing. In this article, we will look at the causes, symptoms, and various types of aphasia.

What causes aphasia?

Aphasia is caused by an injury to the brain. That damage can occur any number of ways, coming on suddenly or slowly.

“The most common cause is stroke, but it can also be brought on by a neurological disease, brain tumor, or head injury,” says Hodges. Bruce Willis’ diagnosis seems to be primary progressive aphasia, which is usually a type of dementia.

Aphasia affects more people than Parkinson’s Disease, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.

What should I do if I have aphasia?

• Be patient and get the other person's attention before you start speaking.
• Avoid speaking in long sentences if this is difficult, and emphasize on keywords.
• Stay calm. If you are struggling to get a word out, it's okay to take a break from speaking and come back to it later. Take your time while speaking.
• If you are struggling to get words out, try to describe it (e.g. a comb is something that we use for our hair).
• Communicate with drawings, gestures, writing and facial expressions.
• Minimize distractions such as a loud radio or TV, whenever possible.

How can I help someone who has aphasia?

• Make sure you have the person's full attention before you start speaking.
• Keep your communications short and simple. Try to speak slowly.
• Ask questions that require a yes or no response (e.g. would you like a cup of coffee?).
• Maintain eye contact and watch the person's body language and use of gestures.
• Avoid correcting the person's speech and give them time to finish their sentences.
• Do not pretend that you understand what the person is trying to say. Clarify what understand and agree to come back to confusing topics at a later time.
• Encourage the use of all relevant communication strategies. The use of objects and pictures may help support the conversation.