Aphasia is an acquired disorder of communication that impairs an individual’s ability to process and understand both spoken and written language. The condition is much more common in our country than we might realize, affecting about one million people or one in every 250 in the United States. More than 100,000 Americans develop aphasia every year. While more common as we age, it can occur to anyone irregardless of gender, ethnicity, intelligence, etc. It results from injury to specific areas of the brain and can the result of a stroke, the presence of a brain tumor, infection, head trauma, or a neurological condition. Because the left side of the brain is most commonly affected and that side of the brain controls movement for the opposite side of the body, many individuals will suffer from generalized weakness or paralysis of the right leg and right arm.
Oddly enough, while the person so afflicted may have problems recognizing a name or finding the right word to say, his or her degree of intelligence is essentially unaffected. And, there are varying degrees of the disorder. Because there are numerous variations, some patients may have a very mild case that isn’t easily recognizable. Others may find it difficult to follow a general conversation. Still others can be severely affected and have problems reading, writing and listening. The common denominator is that people with aphasia will have difficulties communicating with others.
Almost half of those individuals who have symptoms will recover rather quickly – perhaps as quickly as a few hours or days. When this occurs, the condition is known as transient aphasia. If symptoms are prolonged and don’t improve within two or three months, complete recovery is unlikely. If someone you know has been affected, be sure to ask whether speech therapy will help especially if started as soon as possible.
There are some simple guidelines that can be followed to help ease the stress and tension for everyone involved. Family members or caregivers should allow the individual sufficient time to finish sentences, even though they may be inclined to “help” by speaking the correct word or phrase they believe is attempting to be said. Because background sounds can be off-putting or distracting, lower the volume on a radio or television. If having several visitors at one time ratchet up the stress level, restrict visits – whenever possible – to one or two people at a time but don’t lead anyone to believe he or she isn’t welcome. Visitors are vital for the well-being of the patient who may be having major difficulties adjusting. Do not keep the person in another room during gatherings where they cannot be a part of events. After all, they have nothing to be ashamed of simply because they are suffering a condition which is out of his or her control. The individual should be accepted by household members and visitors. Keep a pad and pencil nearby to allow the patient to write a word or draw a picture of what he or she is attempting to describe. Be supportive in attempts at communication. This does not involve patronizing but simply reinforces the fact that the patient is making attempts to remain independent. Encourage him or her to continue the hobbies and other daily activities so vital for a healthy life. Determine if there is a local support group that can be attended.
Be sure the person involved in your life truly has aphasia, since there are numerous other conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Pick’s disease, Creutzfeld-Jakob disease, and others that must be ruled out first. Then get the ball rolling to get the necessary help to keep the patient as independent as possible.
