If you’re a Bruce Willis fan, you probably know that the actor recently retired due to a health condition called aphasia. If you’re wondering what that is, you’re not alone. According to a 2016 poll by the National Aphasia Association, less than 10% of adults know what the word means. And, unfortunately, aphasia and Alzheimer’s have a connection.
Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects more than two million Americans. There are a number of causes, with stroke being the most common. The nature and intensity of the symptoms vary depending on what part of your brain is affected. Most patients are middle-aged or older, but anyone can have aphasia.
While there is no cure, speech therapy and other interventions can help make life easier. Find out more about how aphasia could affect you or someone you love.
Medical Issues Related to Aphasia
Keep in mind that aphasia affects language processing rather than intelligence. Global aphasia is the most severe. Other forms include Broca’s, which mostly affects speech output, and Wernicke’s, which makes it difficult to read, write, or understand speech.
These tips can help:
Get diagnosed. If aphasia is suspected, your doctor will order an MRI or CT scan to see if you have a brain injury. They may also test your communication abilities by asking you to name objects or have a discussion.
Understand the causes. Aphasia is the result of brain damage, usually when a stroke cuts off blood supply to areas that control language. Other causes can include head injuries and progressive neurological disorders.
Support research. Scientists are making advances in many areas related to aphasia. Future treatments may include drugs that target certain neurotransmitters and noninvasive stimulation that could alter brain activity.
Prevent stroke. While some causes of aphasia are beyond your control, you can lower your risk of stroke. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and quit smoking.
Aphasia and Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It generally starts with short-term memory loss and other mild cognitive impairment. As it advances, people with Alzheimer’s might lose the ability to perform simple tasks, such as balancing a checkbook or driving.
In Alzheimer’s disease, neurons (nerve cells) in the brain die off at an alarming rate — between 5 and 10 percent per year — causing the brain to shrink dramatically. The hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation and storage, is particularly vulnerable to damage caused by this loss of neurons.
The hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the presence of brain plaques — sticky deposits made up of protein fragments called beta-amyloid peptides and clusters of another protein called tau — as well as neurofibrillary tangles, which are composed mainly of tau protein. These plaques and tangles interfere with communication between neurons in the brain and may destroy them outright.
Communication Issues Related to Aphasia
Many patients make significant progress in recovery through speech therapy and the brain’s own natural healing powers. There may be other changes that you’ll want to work through also.
Keep these tips in mind:
Start speech therapy. Most aphasia patients will need to work with a speech and language therapist. You can find resources in your area by asking your doctor for a referral or consulting the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Stay connected. Any loss of communication skills can make you feel isolated. Talk with your loved ones and consider individual or family therapy to help you protect your mental health too.
Be patient. Aphasia is frustrating. You may know what you want to say, but have trouble putting it into words. You may also be unable to read or write. Take your time and ask others to refrain from interrupting or correcting you.
Simplify your approach. During conversations, stick to one subject at a time. Use shorter words and sentences.
Minimize distractions. Eliminate background noise, so you can concentrate on speaking and listening. Find a quiet place to chat. Turn off televisions and other devices.
Use technology. Your speech therapist may suggest computers and apps as part of your treatment. For example, voice-activated communication aids can produce speech for you. There are also digital versions of communication charts with words, letters, and pictures you can point to.
Look for Support Groups
Seek support. You might benefit from spending time with others who have aphasia or are recovering from a stroke. Support groups give you an opportunity to talk openly and share coping strategies.
Research may provide new remedies for aphasia in the near future. Until then, speech therapy and family involvement can help patients to stay connected and enjoy a higher quality of life.
