Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that results from damage to the language-processing areas of the brain, most commonly caused by stroke, but also by traumatic brain injury, brain tumours, or progressive neurological conditions.
What aphasia is not
Aphasia is frequently misunderstood. It is important to know:
- Aphasia is not a cognitive impairment. Intelligence is intact
- Aphasia is not a psychiatric condition
- Aphasia does not mean the person has lost their personality or memories
- Aphasia varies enormously from person to person
Types of aphasia
Clinicians classify aphasia in several ways, but the most common distinctions are:
- Broca's aphasia: Effortful, telegraphic speech with relatively preserved comprehension
- Wernicke's aphasia: Fluent but often meaningless speech with impaired comprehension
- Global aphasia: Severe impairment of both expression and comprehension
- Anomic aphasia: Difficulty finding words, with otherwise relatively preserved language
What recovery looks like
Most recovery happens in the first three to six months after the initial injury, but meaningful improvement is possible for years afterward with appropriate therapy. Factors that influence recovery include the size and location of the brain lesion, the person's age and overall health, and the intensity and consistency of speech-language therapy.
How to communicate with someone who has aphasia
- Speak in a normal tone. Do not raise your voice or use simplified language
- Reduce background noise and distractions
- Allow extra time for the person to find words and form responses
- Use gesture, drawing, or writing to supplement speech when helpful
- Confirm understanding by asking yes/no questions rather than open-ended ones
Family involvement and a supportive communication environment are consistently shown to improve outcomes for people with aphasia.