All You Need to Know about Aphasia

Started by Amope, Tuesday, 18 April 2023, 01:53 PM

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Aphasia is one of the Language disorders most people are not conversant with. Even though it is related to stroke, it is not Stroke. You might be wondering how I got to know about this neurological disorder. I was able to consult an undergraduate thesis on the Linguistic analysis of the Syndrome and Symptoms of Elderly People in my hometown. During the Research, I was able to get some facts that Aphasia is a language disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, yet it remains largely misunderstood and stigmatized.
In this context, I will explore five key things that everyone should know about aphasia, from its causes and symptoms to ways to support those affected by it. By increasing awareness and understanding of aphasia, we can help break down the barriers that prevent people with this condition from fully participating in their communities.


Aphasia is a language disorder:
Aphasia is a neurological condition that occurs when the language centers in the brain are damaged or disrupted. This can lead to difficulty in the patient's communication, both in understanding and producing language. It's important to remember that aphasia does not affect intelligence or personality, but rather only the ability to talk to people. This is however different from being Deaf or Dumb.

Aphasia can happen to anyone:
During my data collection for the project, I was able to deduce that contrary to popular belief, aphasia can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or education level. I can even remember seeing a small child with Aphasia. The most common cause of aphasia is stroke, but it can also result from traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, or degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, especially for young children.

Communication is key:
Communication is essential for socialization, and people with aphasia often struggle to communicate effectively. This is why it is important to make things easy for them as their guardian or Close Relatives. There are many ways to facilitate communication, such as using gestures, writing, or assistive technology like speech-generating devices or even pictures to make communication interesting for them. It even helps them in healing faster.

Support is crucial:
Living with aphasia can be isolating and frustrating, but having a strong support system can make a huge difference. What these people need is love, affection, and care. Friends, family, and healthcare professionals can provide emotional support and practical assistance to help people with aphasia navigate their daily lives. This should be done intentionally and not be faked.

There is hope:
There is hope for a tree that is being cut down you know. While there is currently no cure for aphasia, there are many treatments and therapies that can help people with aphasia regain some of their language abilities. With the right support, many people with aphasia can improve their communication skills and regain a sense of independence and confidence. Measure like employing a Speech Therapist for them is one of the most effective ones that I have known so far

Kindly note that Aphasia is not a Death sentence and can be managed. I am sure, using the prescription discussed here will help them in recovering very fast.