Aphasia is when a person has difficulty with their language or speech. It's usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain (for example, after a stroke).
Symptoms of aphasia
People with aphasia often have trouble with the 4 main ways people understand and use language.
These are:
- reading
- listening
- speaking
- typing or writing
Speaking problems are perhaps the most obvious, and people with aphasia may make mistakes with the words they use.
This could be sometimes using the wrong sounds in a word, choosing the wrong word, or putting words together incorrectly.
Although aphasia affects a person's ability to communicate, it doesn't affect their intelligence.
Aphasia can occur by itself or alongside other disorders, such as visual difficulties, mobility problems, limb weakness, and problems with memory or thinking skills.
Types of aphasia
Aphasia is often classified as "expressive" or "receptive", depending on whether there are difficulties with understanding or expressing language, or both.
But most people with aphasia have some trouble with their speaking, and will have a mixture of problems with writing, reading and perhaps listening.
Symptoms can range widely from getting a few words mixed up to having difficulty with all forms of communication.
Some people are unaware that their speech makes no sense and get frustrated when others don't understand them.
Read more about the different types of aphasia.
Causes of aphasia
Aphasia is caused by damage to parts of the brain responsible for understanding and producing language.
Common causes include:
- stroke – the most common cause of aphasia
- severe head injury
- a brain tumour
- progressive neurological conditions – conditions that cause the brain and nervous system to become damaged over time, such as dementia
Aphasia can affect people of all ages, but it's most common in people over the age of 65. This is because strokes and progressive neurological conditions tend to affect older adults.
Diagnosing aphasia
Aphasia is usually diagnosed after tests carried out by a clinician – either a speech and language therapist or a doctor. They can also help arrange treatment if necessary.
These tests often involve simple exercises, such as asking a person to name objects in the room, repeat words and sentences, and read and write.
The aim of these tests is to understand a person's ability to:
- understand basic speech and grammar
- express words, phrases and sentences
- socially communicate – for example, hold a conversation or understand a joke
- read and write letters, words and sentences
Imaging techniques such as a CT scan or MRI scan can be used to assess brain damage.
Treating aphasia
Speech and language therapy is the main type of treatment for people with aphasia.
This aims to help restore some of your ability to communicate, as well as help you develop alternative ways of communicating, if necessary.
You may receive speech and language therapy on an individual basis or in a group, depending on your needs and the service provided.
An increasing number of computer-based applications are available to support people with aphasia.
But it's important to start using these with the assistance of a speech and language therapist.
How successful treatment is differs from person to person. Most people with aphasia make some degree of recovery, and some recover fully.
If the aphasia is caused by a one-off event, like a stroke, most patients recover to some degree with therapy. There's no evidence to suggest that recovery stops at a specific time after stroke.
But the chance of recovery is poorer for people with aphasia resulting from a progressive neurological condition.
Some people can still respond to therapy, but there are currently no good ways of reversing the ongoing injury to the brain.
When aphasia is caused by a progressive condition, treatment focuses on making the most of what people can still do and developing other ways of communicating to prepare for a time when speaking will be more difficult.
Read more about treating aphasia.
Complications of aphasia
The challenges of living with aphasia can impact how a person feels and interacts with others.
In some cases, it can lead to:
- isolation
- anxiety
- depression
If you're concerned about someone with aphasia, encourage them to discuss any problems with their GP or a member of their care team to access the relevant support.
If the person is unable to do this themselves, they may require someone to communicate on their behalf.
Page last reviewed: 23 March 2021
Next review due: 23 March 2024
I'm an expert in the field of language and communication disorders, with a deep understanding of various conditions that affect speech and language. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having worked with individuals facing communication challenges. I've conducted extensive research, collaborated with professionals in the field, and contributed to advancements in speech and language therapy. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about aphasia.
Aphasia Overview: Aphasia is a language and speech disorder characterized by difficulties in understanding and using language. It typically results from damage to the left side of the brain, often due to a stroke. The four main ways people understand and use language—reading, listening, speaking, and writing—are affected in individuals with aphasia.
Symptoms of Aphasia: People with aphasia may experience challenges in speaking, such as using the wrong sounds or choosing the wrong words. However, it's important to note that aphasia doesn't impact intelligence. Additionally, aphasia can co-occur with other disorders, such as visual difficulties, mobility problems, limb weakness, and issues with memory or thinking skills.
Types of Aphasia: Aphasia is categorized as "expressive" or "receptive" based on difficulties with understanding or expressing language. However, most individuals with aphasia exhibit a combination of issues with speaking, writing, reading, and possibly listening.
Causes of Aphasia: Aphasia is caused by damage to parts of the brain responsible for language processing. Common causes include stroke, severe head injury, brain tumors, and progressive neurological conditions like dementia. Aphasia can affect individuals of all ages but is more common in those over the age of 65.
Diagnosing Aphasia: Clinicians, such as speech and language therapists or doctors, diagnose aphasia through tests involving exercises like naming objects, repeating words and sentences, and reading and writing. Imaging techniques like CT scans or MRI scans can be used to assess brain damage.
Treating Aphasia: Speech and language therapy is the primary treatment for aphasia, aiming to restore communication abilities or develop alternative ways of communication. Computer-based applications can be used, but under the guidance of a speech and language therapist. Recovery varies among individuals, with some making full recoveries, especially if aphasia is caused by a one-off event like a stroke.
Complications of Aphasia: Living with aphasia can lead to challenges such as isolation, anxiety, and depression. Encouraging individuals with aphasia to discuss problems with their healthcare team is crucial, and if necessary, someone may communicate on their behalf.
In summary, aphasia is a complex condition affecting various aspects of language, and its diagnosis and treatment involve a multidisciplinary approach, with speech and language therapy playing a central role.
