National Aphasia Awareness Month
June brings us National Aphasia Awareness Month. Aphasia is the loss of the ability to understand or express speech. For most people, it is an ability that one takes for granted. The ability to speak, write and understand the spoken and written word are everyday, automatic occurrences that have become second nature. Then it happens—a stroke, an accident, a brain tumor or an infection and suddenly that ability is lost. Imagine waking up and not being able to speak. Now watch as a loved one speaks to you, but you have no idea what they are saying. It’s as if the world has started to speak in a foreign language.
Stroke.
Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia. It affects nearly 795,000 people every year, three-quarters of which are over the age of 65. Of those who survive, 25 to 40 percent will acquire aphasia which affects about 2 million Americans and is more common than Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
Understanding Aphasia.
There are three predominant types of aphasia. Each varies due to the area of the brain that has been affected.
- Global aphasia enables a person to speak, name objects or repeat phrases.
- Broca’s aphasia leaves a person knowing what they want to say but unable to get the words out.
- Wernicke’s aphasia leaves a person unable to understand what is being said and unable to control what they say.
Tips for Communicating with Someone with Aphasia.
It’s important to remember that the severity of the damage and the part of the brain affected will determine if the person who is suffering from aphasia can hear you. Similar to a person in a coma, it’s easy to think that because they can’t communicate, they don’t understand. While this is true in some circumstances, it is not true in others. A good way to check for this is to ask a yes or no question and look for their response. Remember to treat your loved one as an adult, include them in conversations, and be patient with them when waiting for a response. They are probably feeling very frustrated and agitated and your calm assurance goes a long way in instilling faith in their recovery and hope for the future.
Keep their home environment as stress free as possible. Limit background noises such as the TV and make sure that only one person is talking at a time. Help your parent develop and acquire a set of communication aids. This can include a chalk board, a piece of paper with the alphabet written on it, or a white erase board.
Getting Help.
Improvement can still occur months to even years after an injury or stroke. A speech therapist will attempt to repair the damage by focusing on tasks that allow the patient to understand and speak with increasing abilities. Training can continue at home in the form of computer programs designed with those who have aphasia in mind. Other types of therapy involve helping the person compensate for their loss.
Elder Care Provider.
An elder care provider can assist with the everyday activities of living. They can provide transportation and run errands such as grocery shopping. These professionals will ensure that your loved one does what they can and encourage them to do more while maintaining a safe environment for them heal in.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Spokane Valley, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088
Resources
https://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/
https://www.aphasia.org/aphasia-faqs/
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