Introduction

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person’s ability to use and understand the spoken language. A person who has aphasia has damage to a portion of their brain; usually damage occurs in the left hemisphere. Aphasia occurs suddenly and is the result of an accident or a stroke, or could happen overtime with a brain tumor or dementia. Men and women are equally affected by aphasia.

The cause of aphasia is damage to the language area of the brain. If a neurologist suspects aphasia tests are done that will require a person respond to commands, answer questions, name objects, and carry on a conversation. If aphasia is suspected the person affected will be referred to a speech pathologist and communication will be assessed.

There are two types of aphasia: fluent and non-fluent. Wernicke’s aphasia is a type of fluent aphasia. Damage has occurred in the left temporal lobe. The person with this type of aphasia may speak in long sentences that have no meaning, add unnecessary words, and the person may make up words. It is difficult to follow their flow of conversation, they have difficulty following conversation, and when they are speaking they do not realize that their sentences do not make sense. Broca's aphasia is a type of non-fluent aphasia. Damage to the frontal lobe has occurred. With this type of aphasia the person can speak in short phrases that make sense but require a lot of effort and short words may be omitted such as, “is,” “and,” and “the”. The person who has Broca’s aphasia is aware of their speech difficulties and can become easily frustrated. Another type of non-fluent aphasia is global aphasia. With this type of aphasia there is extensive damage to the language portion of the brain and communications is severely affected and have extreme difficulties in expressing and comprehending. Other types of aphasia are when the person has difficulty repeating sentences event though they can speak and understand the meaning of the sentence. Other persons may struggle stating an object even though they know what the object is and what it may be used for.

How Families Can Help

A person with aphasia can be treated in CRT sessions but families can also be encouraged to help. With families helping out the person can be immersed in language and this helps with treatment.

Family members are encouraged to:

  • Use short simple sentences
  • Repeat the content words or write down key words to clarify meaning as needed
  • Maintain natural conversation manner as appropriate for an adult
  • Minimize distractions (loud tv or radio)
  • Include the person with aphasia in conversations
  • Ask for and value the opinion
  • Encourage verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Avoid correcting speech
  • Allow the person plenty of time to talk
  • Help the person become involved outside the home
  • Do not provide words unless asked or if frustration is observed
  • Cue the person to use a substitute word if having trouble saying “original” word
  • Allow person to express ideas to build confidence and allowing time for practice
  • Be patient and sensitive
  • Allow for daily communication tasks such as returning telephone calls and scheduling appointments
  • Allow the person to request information out in public (restaurants, stores, libraries, etc.)

Activities Family Members Can Do and Help outside of CRT Sessions

These Ideas Can Also be Completed During CRT Sessions

  • Engage in everyday conversation
  • Call family and friends regularly
  • Write letters to family and friends
  • Keep a journal or memory log to record thoughts and ideas
  • Play word games: Scrabble, Boggle, Password, or Taboo
  • Participate in TV game shows: Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune
  • Watch a TV show and summarize favorite part
  • Do crossword puzzles and word scrambles
  • Express your opinions: write to the local newspaper or a favorite magazine
  • Read and discuss articles and books
  • Use a computer if you have one: word processing, vocab stimulation, internet communication
  • Copy pictures or draw them from scratch

Go to these two websites to further review Aphasia:

Go this facebook page, click on video and view the 3 short videos that show what aphasia looks like: