What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder, most often caused by a stroke, that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It can impact speaking, understanding spoken language, reading and reading comprehension, and writing.
Aphasia does not affect intelligence. People with aphasia often know what they want to say, but may have difficulty expressing or understanding language.
Aphasia affects each person differently. It can range from mild to severe, and may also be caused by brain injury or other neurological conditions.
Because communication becomes more difficult, everyday tasks and conversations can be challenging. This can sometimes lead to frustration or social isolation—but support can make a meaningful difference.
MnCAN can help.
Communication Partner Tips
- Keep communication simple but adult. Emphasize key words.
- Reduce your rate of speech and stay on one topic at a time.
- Speak to the person with aphasia and include them in the conversation; value their opinion.
- Allow the person plenty of time to talk without finishing sentences for them and ask the person if they want help filling in a word. Avoid correcting their speech.
- Maintain a natural conversational manner and volume appropriate for an adult.
- Use supportive conversation tools like writing words or drawing; give written choices; demonstrate/show or gesture.
Keep in mind
- People with aphasia can keep improving over time.
- Practice and conversation help.
- Stay connected with family and community.
- Encourage staying socially active.
- Time with others supports growth.
What happens in the brain to cause aphasia?
- A stroke happens when there is a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain
- A stroke in the left side of the brain causes aphasia
- Damage occurs in the areas of the brain that produce and process language
What else can cause aphasia
- Neurologic conditions
- Brain tumors
- Infections
- Head injuries
Aphasia is a language problem.
It affects how a person uses and understands words.
It can make it hard to:
- Talk or find the right words
- Understand speech
- Read
- Write
Aphasia does not change someone’s intelligence.
What do people with aphasia want?
- Get back to everyday life
- Do things on their own (like driving)
- Learn ways to cope and live well
- Make and keep friendships
- Order food at a restaurant
- Take part in conversations
- Be included in family decisions
How can you help someone communicate?
- Gestures
- Writing
- Drawing
What are the types of aphasia?
Global aphasia
- Affects all areas of language
Broca’s aphasia
- Speech is effortful with some pauses; trouble forming full sentences
- Be limited in writing
- Read okay
- Use the wrong word sometimes
Wernicke’s aphasia
- Say many words that don’t make sense
- Use the wrong word (may be a real word of made up word)
- Speak sentences, but the words you put together might not make sense
Anomic aphasia
- Difficulty with word finding for specific words (in speech and writing)
What else might you notice after a stroke?
Body changes
- Weakness on the right side of the body
- Trouble seeing things on the right side
- Trouble swallowing
Thinking and energy
- Feeling very tired
- Trouble paying attention
- Doing the same thing over and over
Feelings
- Feeling more emotional
- Depression
Speech
- Speech may sound less clear
- Speech may sound slow or slurred (called dysarthria)
- Trouble planning how to say words (called apraxia of speech)
Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCAN) is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the life participation of individuals impacted by aphasia through comprehensive programs, education, peer connection and community support.