Two million Americans are living with aphasia, according to the National Aphasia Association, but there are many people who have not even heard of the disorder or its connection to dementia. June is recognized as National Aphasia Awareness Month to raise awareness and ideally better support those living with the disorder and their caregivers.
Aphasia, Stroke, and Dementia
Aphasia is common among older adults who have had a brain injury, stroke, and/or are living with dementia. Despite the varying causes for aphasia, the results are typically the same: gradual deterioration in language and communication skills over time.
“Aphasia can affect expression, comprehension, reading, and writing,” says St. John’s Speech Therapist Heather Day.
The loss of expression and comprehension will usually cause frustration in those living this disorder so angry outbursts can occur and mood regulation can be difficult, especially those with dementia or a brain injury.
The Progression of Aphasia
Although there is no cure for aphasia or dementia, being aware of the estimated timeline of the disorders and their symptoms can aid in the treatment process.
Early Signs of Aphasia:
- Having trouble finding the right words, understanding word meanings, and recognizing familiar objects
- Experiencing difficulties with sentence structure, grammar, and producing complex sentences
- Pausing in the middle of sentences
“In some people, language symptoms might be the sole signs for 10–14 years before other cognitive deficits emerge,” according to Healthline. “Others may see more rapid changes in a shorter time frame.”
Later Stages of Aphasia:
- Developing Parkinson’s disease-like motor symptoms
- Trouble walking
- Limited spatial awareness and poor depth-perception
- Easily irritable and likely to socially withdraw
“They can become socially isolated from family and friends and become prone to greater health concerns due to the inability to express medical needs,” says Day.
Treating Aphasia as Early as Possible
If you are caring for a loved one or have a friend or family member exhibiting some of the early signs of aphasia, seeking medical support is vital. A diagnosis may lead to positive treatment plans for your loved one and alleviate some of your uncertainty in caregiving. Aphasia makes driving and being alone difficult, so a diagnosis is also important to ensure the safety of your loved one.
By focusing on speech therapy and socialization you can prioritize quality of life for your loved one and improve his/her sense of independence. Losing the ability to communicate can be detrimental to a person’s self-worth so beginning classes, therapy sessions, and social groups as early as possible can help mitigate feelings of insecurity and isolation.
