STROKE SURVIVOR COMMUNICATION

Aphasia is a disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate and comprehend and is usually caused by damage to one or more of the language areas of the brain – often as a result of stroke. Aphasia DOES NOT affect intelligence.

HOW IS APHASIA TREATED?

Language recovery can be a long process. While many people with aphasia experience partial spontaneous recovery, in which some language abilities return a few days to a month after the brain injury, some amount of aphasia typically remains. In these instances, speech-language therapy is often helpful.

Aphasia therapy aims to improve a person's ability to communicate by helping him or her to use remaining language abilities, restore language abilities as much as possible, compensate for language problems, and learn other methods of communicating. Individual therapy focuses on the specific needs of the person, while group therapy offers the opportunity to use new communication skills in a small-group setting. Stroke clubs, regional support groups formed by people who have had a stroke, are available in most major cities. These clubs also offer the opportunity for people with aphasia to try new communication skills. In addition, stroke clubs can help a person and his or her family adjust to the life changes that accompany stroke and aphasia.

EXERCISE MAY HELP!

Incorporating aphasia treatment activities into an exercise routine may help make new neural connections in the brain. Here are some suggestions for how to WORK OUT YOUR WORDS while you work out your body:

• When you take a walk, count your steps out loud.
• As you walk, say the alphabet.
• To improve your reflexes, bounce a ball, counting out loud each time you catch it.
• As you lift weights, name a vegetable or fruit each time you lift.
• Dance for cardiovascular exercise and sing along with the music.

IF YOU HAVE APHASIA

Here are some tips to share with others to facilitate communication.

For more information visit: National Aphasia Association

Or contact:
Stroke Comeback Center