Common questions
What is aphasia?
Aphasia is a language problem. It makes words hard — speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. It does not affect how smart a person is.
What causes aphasia?
Most often a stroke — about 1 in 3 strokes cause aphasia. It can also come from a head injury, a brain tumor, or a brain illness.
Does aphasia mean someone is less intelligent?
No. Thinking and memory are still there. The words are just hard to reach.
What are the types of aphasia?
Common types are Broca's (words are hard to get out), Wernicke's (speech flows but is jumbled), and Global (both are hard). An SLP can tell you the type.
Can aphasia get better?
It can. Many people improve over time, especially with regular practice. Progress looks different for everyone, and individual results vary.
How can I help someone with aphasia?
Slow down. Give them time. Use short sentences and pictures. And practice a little every day.