Aphasia

Aphasia is a language disorder from brain injury — most often stroke. People with aphasia may have trouble speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. Intelligence is usually preserved. Aphasia is a communication problem, not an intellectual one — a vital distinction for family and caregivers.

Main types

• Broca's (expressive) aphasia — effortful, short sentences; understanding relatively preserved; frustration.
• Wernicke's (receptive) aphasia — fluent but nonsensical speech; reduced understanding.
• Global aphasia — both expression and understanding severely affected.
• Anomic aphasia — word-finding difficulty.
• Primary progressive aphasia — a rare dementia starting with language loss.

Causes

• Stroke — the commonest cause.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• Brain tumours.
• Brain infections (encephalitis, abscess).
• Dementia (primary progressive aphasia, Alzheimer's).

Supporting someone with aphasia

• Speak slowly, one idea at a time; face the person; reduce background noise.
• Use short, simple sentences — but treat the person as an intelligent adult.
• Give time — don't finish sentences unless asked.
• Use gestures, pictures, writing as supplements.
• Ask yes/no questions, offer choices rather than open-ended questions.
• Involve them in conversations; don't talk over them to others.
• Don't raise your voice — hearing isn't the problem.

Treatment

• Speech and language therapy — the core treatment; intensive early rehabilitation matters.
• Group therapy, computer-aided therapy, family training, tele-rehab — all expand access.
• Manage stroke risk factors — prevent further strokes.
• Mood and caregiver support — depression is common and treatable.
• Support groups — aphasia cafés and Indian networks help normalise life with aphasia.

Recovery continues for years, not just months. Don't give up on therapy; small sustained gains compound. Most people with aphasia can find meaningful ways to communicate with the right tools and time.