Overview
Aphasia is a disorder that affects how a person communicates, impacting their speech, writing, and understanding both spoken and written language. It can result from brain damage due to various causes such as strokes, head injuries, brain tumors, or degenerative diseases. The severity of aphasia depends on the extent and cause of the brain damage. Treatment for aphasia generally includes addressing the underlying condition and undergoing speech and language therapy. Family members often participate in the process to help the person communicate effectively.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of aphasia vary depending on the type and the specific part of the brain's language areas that are affected. Symptoms develop over time and gradually get worse. The three types of primary progressive aphasia include semantic variant, logopenic variant, and nonfluent-agrammatic variant. Each type has different symptoms, such as trouble understanding spoken or written language, difficulty with word recall, and poor grammar in written and spoken language. However, it's important to note that many people with aphasia have unique symptoms that don't fit neatly into one of these categories, and it may be more helpful to consider the individual's strengths and weaknesses rather than labeling a particular type of aphasia.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing aphasia include learning disabilities and certain gene changes. People who had a childhood learning disability such as dyslexia might be at somewhat higher risk of primary progressive aphasia. Rare gene changes have also been linked to primary progressive aphasia, and if other members of your family have had it, you might be more likely to develop it.
Development
Aphasia can develop in different ways, depending on the underlying cause. The most common cause of aphasia is brain damage resulting from a stroke. In the case of primary progressive aphasia, the condition develops gradually due to the gradual degeneration of brain cells located in the language networks, primarily affecting the frontal, temporal, or parietal lobes. Rare gene changes and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, may also contribute to the development of primary progressive aphasia. In some cases, aphasia can also occur suddenly after a head injury or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It's important to note that each person's experience with aphasia may differ in terms of symptoms, severity, and progression. Speech and language therapy, along with treating the underlying condition, can help individuals with aphasia relearn and practice language skills and find alternative ways to communicate.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you or a loved one suddenly develop difficulty speaking, trouble understanding speech, difficulty with word recall, or problems with reading or writing. These symptoms could indicate a serious problem such as a stroke, and prompt medical attention is necessary. If you have concerns about your ability to communicate or notice changes in speech or communication, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis
To diagnose aphasia, a health care provider, typically a neurologist or a speech-language pathologist, will conduct a series of tests and evaluations. The process may involve a neurological exam, speech-language evaluation, and neuropsychological evaluation. These tests will assess the individual's speech, language comprehension, and skills, including their ability to recognize and name objects, recall information, and perform other related tasks. Blood tests may also be ordered to rule out infections or other medical conditions, and genetic tests can help identify genetic changes associated with primary progressive aphasia or other neurological conditions.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of aphasia can include difficulty with communication, social isolation, depression, blunted emotions, poor judgment, inappropriate social behavior, problems with movement, balance, and swallowing, and increased risk of stroke or other brain conditions.
Treatment
The main treatments for aphasia involve addressing the underlying condition causing the disorder and undergoing speech and language therapy. The affected individual relearns and practices language skills, and they may be taught alternative communication methods. Family members often participate in the therapy process to help the person with aphasia communicate more effectively. There is no specific cure for aphasia, but speech and language therapy can improve communication abilities to varying degrees.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for aphasia, you should:
- Make a list of your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
- Gather key personal information, such as major stresses, recent life changes, and family medical history.
- Bring a list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, including doses.
- Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help with communication and to remember the information you receive.
- Prepare questions to ask your healthcare provider, including:
- What's likely causing my symptoms?
- What tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
- What's the best course of action?
- Are there other choices to the primary approach you're suggesting?
- How can I best manage other health conditions I have together?
- Are there any restrictions I need to follow? By being well-prepared for your appointment, you can ensure that you get the most out of your visit and can work with your healthcare provider to receive the best possible care for your aphasia.