APHASIA IS:
Aphasia is a disorder that results from damage to portions of the brain that are responsible for language.
It disturbs comprehension and formulation of speech and is caused by the dysfunction of a certain part of the brain. It can come in the form of having difficulty of remembering words and hampers the ability to speak. It can also cause difficulties with reading and writing. Brain injury is one of the major causes of aphasia and may happen very quickly once the brain injury has occurred.
There are many types of aphasia. Expressive, aphasia, conduction aphasia are just some of the many types of aphasia. Some of the skills damaged by aphasia can be recovered with the help of a speech pathologist. Age, health and motivation can be factors in a patients recovery.
People with aphasia may also have:
What Apraxia is:
Apraxia of speech, or difficulty speaking when there is no paralysis or weakness of speech muscles, and Anomia, the characteristic of aphasia that makes it hard to name objects.
SOURCES: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION, MOSBY’S MEDICAL DICTIONARY.
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Help in Communicating with People Suffering with Aphasia:
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- Use short and uncomplicated sentences.
- Repeat words often or write down key words.
- Avoid background noise by turning down loud radios or TVs. Minimize other distractions.
- Include the individual with aphasia in conversations – ask for and value his or her opinions.
- Do your best to encourage the person to speech, gesture, point, or draw – anything that communicates.
- Be patient. Allow the person plenty of time to talk and say what they have to say.
- Help the person with aphasia to get involved in activities in the community. Community integration is key to almost all rehabilitation from brain injury or related symptoms.
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