With June being Aphasia Awareness Month, it’s a good time to explore this condition that affects many people all over the country. It’s estimated that aphasia affects 2 million people in the US alone, including big names such as Bruce Willis. Other people to have had aphasia in the past include Aubrey Plaza and Amelia Clark. But even with figures as high as this, and some big names with the condition, few of us know what aphasia is. This blog post explains aphasia and how to spot the early warning signs.
What is aphasia?
Our team of medical professionals often care for clients with aphasia, so they often field questions about it. If your loved one has aphasia and needs care, contact us to discuss the options.
Aphasia typically occurs after a stroke or a head injury, but it can also occur as the result of a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease causing degenerative damage. The severity of a person’s aphasia depends on the extent of the brain damage, and the cause. Depending on the severity, a person with aphasia may find their ability to communicate (spoken and written) affected.
Aphasia, or apraxia?
Aphasia and apraxia are two different conditions, both related to speech and language. While aphasia affects the ability to communicate, apraxia affects the ability to control the muscles related to speech, with no damage to those muscles. Aphasia affects the brain’s ability to handle language.
Can aphasia be treated?
This is a question our care providers often hear from families whose loved one has aphasia. It can be incredibly frightening for the person who has it, but treating aphasia comes down to treating the condition that caused it. Speech and language therapy are also helpful in helping the person with aphasia to relearn language and rediscover how to communicate. The rehabilitation process is easier when family members are involved.
Here’s how to spot aphasia
You need to remember that aphasia is itself a symptom of another condition, like a stroke or a brain tumor. Bearing that in mind, the symptoms of aphasia include:
- Speaking in brief or incomplete sentences
- Speaking in badly structured sentences
- Swapping words or sounds around
- Speaking unrecognizable words
- Having trouble locating the right words
- Not understanding what others are saying
- Not understanding written words
- Writing badly structured sentences
What to do if you spot the signs
Since aphasia is a symptom of another condition, it is important that you seek medical attention if you spot:
- Trouble seeing
- Sudden unexplained headache
- Weakness or feeling numb on one side of the body
- Sudden dizziness or difficulty walking
- Sudden trouble speaking and understanding, and confusion
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Finding it hard to locate the right words
- Trouble with written communication
Even with therapy, aphasia can be difficult to overcome, and many have to live with the condition for the rest of their lives. Fortunately, the likes of Aubrey Plaza and Emilia Clarke serve as examples that aphasia need not be a lifelong affliction. If you, or someone you know, suffer with aphasia, it can be scary. However, it should be a boost to know that the condition can often be temporary, and you can get back to normal with the right therapy and treatment.
DISCLAIMER: You should always seek professional medical advice. This blog post is not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have a loved one who needs a little care and lots of smiles, contact EJAI Loves Homecare in Florida to discuss their in-home care service. The team is ready to take your call and go through the options to give your loved one the assistance they deserve to stay in their own home. Greater independence through compassion and quality care together at home.
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