What is it?
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder caused by damage to language-related areas of the brain.
- Commonly occurs after a stroke.
- May also result from traumatic brain injury, tumors, or neurological disease.
- Can affect speaking, understanding, reading, and writing.
- Aphasia does not mean a person has lost their intelligence.
Why does it matter?
- Makes communicating needs and preferences more difficult.
- May interfere with expressing pain or discomfort.
- Can lead to frustration, isolation, and misunderstandings.
- May make participation in care decisions more challenging.
Types of Aphasia
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Expressive (Broca’s) | Difficulty producing fluent speech; understanding may be relatively preserved |
| Receptive (Wernicke’s) | Speech may be fluent but difficult to understand; comprehension is often impaired |
| Global | Severe impairment of both expression and comprehension |
| Anomic | Difficulty recalling or naming words |
Important: Aphasia does not always fit neatly into one category.
What should I look for?
- Difficulty finding words.
- Short, effortful speech.
- Incorrect or substituted words.
- Difficulty following spoken instructions.
- Trouble reading or writing.
- Frustration when attempting to communicate.
- Responses that do not match the question.
Emergency Warning: Sudden new difficulty speaking or understanding language may indicate a stroke. Activate emergency response immediately.
What should I do?
Supporting Communication
- Approach calmly and gain the resident’s attention.
- Speak directly to the resident, not only to family or caregivers.
- Use short, clear sentences and a natural adult tone.
- Allow additional time for responses.
- Ask one question at a time.
- Use gestures, pictures, writing, or communication boards when helpful.
- Verify understanding without repeatedly correcting the resident.
- Reduce background distractions.
Expressive Difficulties
- Give the resident time to find words.
- Offer choices when appropriate.
- Encourage alternative ways of communicating.
- Avoid finishing sentences unless the resident welcomes help.
Receptive Difficulties
- Give instructions one step at a time.
- Use gestures or demonstrations.
- Confirm understanding through appropriate methods.
- Avoid assuming that a verbal “yes” always indicates comprehension.
What should I report?
- Sudden or worsening language difficulties.
- Inability to communicate essential needs.
- New frustration, withdrawal, or distress.
- Changes in previously effective communication methods.
Related
- Communication Accommodations
- Therapeutic Communication
- Recognizing Patient Distress
- Emotional & Family Support
- Rehabilitation & Therapy Services
Sources
Flashcards
Does aphasia necessarily reduce intelligence?02-mechanisms / diseases-conditions
Answer
No; it impairs language abilities.
What communication strategy helps residents with aphasia?03-application / diseases-conditions
Answer
Short clear speech, extra time, and appropriate communication aids.
What is urgent about sudden new aphasia?03-application / diseases-conditions
Answer
It may be a sign of stroke requiring emergency response.