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Aphasia (pronounced uh fay'zhuh)
An impairment of the power to use or comprehend words, usually acquired as a result of stroke, and sometimes from head injury or a brain tumor.
- Above definition, courtesy of National Aphasia Association
It may be hard to talk, to understand spoken words, to read and to write. Some people with aphasia may also have dysarthria, apraxia, or difficulty with memory or word-finding.
These communication changes affect both well being and self-confidence. People with aphasia may feel depressed, upset, bored or angry.
Aphasia Friendly
Changing the way we write and present information so people with aphasia can understand it.
Examples are:
- Write in simple words and big print
- Don't crowd the page
- Use pictures to explain words
- Allow more time to read
Apraxia of Speech (AOS)
AOS is a disruption in the planning, programming, and sequencing of deliberate movements of speech muscles to produce sounds and words for speech production. Therefore, these individuals have difficulties talking. It is not caused by weakness or paralysis of muscles. It is characterized by the loss of the ability to execute or carry out learned movements, despite having the desire and the physical ability to perform the movements.
In particular, AOS speech is characterized by difficulties that individuals have in:
- Targeting speech sounds
- Initiating speech
- Timing speech sounds
- Rhythm pattern of sentences
Stroke is the most common cause. AOS can also occur from brain illness or trauma and occasionally from degenerative diseases (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). Over 50% of people with Left Hemisphere strokes have apraxia.
Broca's Aphasia
Inability to fluently express language. Speech is extremely poor. For example, speech may be reduced to nonsense words or phrases which may be uttered fluently in response to any question. For example: yes and no, curse words and non-language emotional expressions remain intact. The person may also use emotionally laden sounds that express frustration.
Writing is also affected. Those with Broca's aphasia typically have right-sided hemiplegia (paralysis). However, writing difficulty extends beyond simple motor co-ordination. Their language production through writing is similar to language production through speech.
In contrast, the person is better at understanding oral communication from others and reading may be normal.
Sensory areas are intact i.e. hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, touch
Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder i.e. a change in the muscles involved in speech, caused by paralysis, weakness or in-coordination of the speech muscles as result of brain damage (Duffy, 1995).
In other words, dysarthria is a disorder due to irregular neuromuscular movements that may affect the:
- speed
- strength
- range
- timing
- accuracy of speech movements
Dysarthria often leads to difficulties in communication because others may find it difficult to understand those with dysarthria.
Mutual Aid
Mutual aid is the approach YDAC follows, in operating group programs. In the communication groups, volunteers support the clients to participate in the program. The clients then learn to support each other. The mutual aid approach creates helping relationships with positive energies and outcomes. It encourages communication, and mutual problem-solving and encourages clients to build self-esteem as they help their peers.
The mutual aid approach also extends to YDAC's caregiver support groups. This approach was chosen over a therapeutic or self-help approach. for many of the same reasons stated above.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when, for some reason, blood is unable to reach a part of the brain (a blockage) or when there is excess bleeding (hemorrhaging). Brain cells die when they do not receive their normal supply of blood, which carries oxygen and important nutrients.
Wernicke's Aphasia
Language is severely disorganized; sometimes sounds like a babble or jargon or word substitutions.
Great difficulty comprehending spoken and written words; many do not understand that their own speech is garbled.
Difficulty repeating words, phrases and with writing and reading.
YDAC
York-Durham Aphasia Centre
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