As I’m sure you have all seen in the news recently, Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with aphasia and has taken a step back from acting. There has been a lot of speculation about his condition and the news has left many people asking, what is aphasia?
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists website explains…
Aphasia is a term used to describe a language disorder that results from damage to those areas of the brain responsible for language. It may affect a person’s ability to talk, write and understand spoken and written language, leaving other cognitive abilities and their intellect intact.
A person with aphasia may have problems in answering the telephone, watching television or listening to the radio. Everyday tasks can become impossible. This often leads to frustration, social isolation and a breakdown in close relationships.
Aphasia is a long-term, life-changing condition, which affects both the individual and others around them. The person with aphasia, their family and friends, and the wider society, all need to adapt to facilitate communication.
Credit to https://www.rcslt.org/speech-and-language-therapy/clinical-information/aphasia/
Aphasia is a disorder that has a wide range of causes, such as stroke, traumatic brain injuries and dementia. Aphasia can be part of a stable condition, such as from a stroke, and may steadily improve, especially if the person receives appropriate therapy. Aphasia can also be a part of progressive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or a rare form of dementia called Primary Progressive Aphasia, where communication can become progressively more difficult. Therapy is still an important part of treatment for progressive conditions to maintain communication function and to support the person and their loved ones to communicate as effectively as they can.
Aphasia can present itself in lots of different ways and affect both input (receptive language or comprehension) and output (expressive language). It can also affect reading and writing.
Signs of aphasia include (this list is not exhaustive):
- Difficulties following instructions
- Difficulties following conversations
- Asking what words mean e.g. “what does sibling mean?”
- Difficulties finding words and talking around words “erm… the uhhh… you know the thingy”
- Using the wrong word e.g. spoon instead of fork, frack instead of fork
- Missing out grammar e.g. “me…. you… café… walk”
- Spelling mistakes or difficulties writing
The Stroke Association have a video explaining what it is like to live with aphasia: https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-aphasia/aphasia-and-its-effects.
If you or a loved one are worried you have aphasia and you’re not sure why, please go and see your GP. If you feel that aphasia came on suddenly, please call 999. If you or a loved one know you have aphasia and you would like to work on your communication skills, please contact us here.
