Monthly Health Topic

June is National Aphasia Awareness Month

Aphasia is an impairment of a person’s language ability. An acquired disorder, people with aphasia have suffered a stroke, brain injury, tumor or other illness that leads to brain damage. Aphasia impairs the ability to communicate with others, but does not affect intelligence. Speech, as well as the ability to read and write, is affected.

People with aphasia may be able to understand what is said to them, but may have great difficulty in finding the right words to respond. Others may appear to be able to speak without difficulty, but because they are not able to understand or follow conversations, their responses are not appropriate or understandable.

About one million Americans are affected, and more than 100,000 acquire the disease each year. Although it is most common among the elderly, people of all ages, races, and genders are affected.

After suffering a stroke, it is not uncommon to have weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. People who suffer a stroke on the left side of their brain have right-sided weakness, and people who have a stroke on the right side of their brain have left-sided weakness. Aphasia is often, but not always, accompanied by a weakened right side. That makes sense when you know that the left side of the brain controls speech. The presence of both conditions can make recovery even more difficult.

If aphasia does not resolve within 2-3 months after injury, complete recovery is unlikely. However, it is important to note that some people continue to improve for years. It can be a slow process that requires patience and family support. Understanding the condition and methods to compensate for the disability can enhance a person’s ability to function.

If you know someone with aphasia, here are some suggestions to make communication easier:

• Do not finish the person’s sentences unless asked. Allowing them time to find the words they seek can improve their chances of recovery, as well as allowing them as much dignity as possible.
• Background noise or a lot of activity going on can impede an aphasic’s ability to communicate. Finding a quiet room without a lot of outside distractions is very helpful.
• Other methods of communication (e.g. drawing, gesturing) can make things flow more smoothly
• Let the patient know when you understand what he/she is saying. (smiles help too!)

If you care for someone with aphasia:

• Make time for yourself. It is difficult to care for someone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself. It may be as simple as finding time for a hot bath or something more structured, like finding a day program that cares for stroke or brain injured people.
• Inform yourself. Your health care providers are a good first source to learn what you need to know about aphasia. Ask your physician, nurse, and therapists to point you in the right direction. The National Aphasia Association offers a wide variety of resources, including support groups, written information and the ability to advocate. Contact them at 1-800-922-4622 or www.aphasia.org.