What Is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a loss of language skills that includes understanding or producing language. Aphasia often happens after a stroke. But it can also happen from brain injury, tumors, or neurological disorders. People with aphasia may not be able to express their thoughts (expressive aphasia) or understand others (receptive aphasia).

A speech therapist may help a person with aphasia regain his or her language skills.

Signs of aphasia

Signs of aphasia vary with each person. A person with aphasia may show some or all of the signs listed below.

A person with aphasia may not be able to:

• Understand words when others speak

• Speak in complete sentences

• Read or write

• Understand that numbers have meaning

A person with aphasia may:

• Speak using only nouns and verbs

• Mix up the order of words in a sentence

• Use the wrong words or made-up words

• Have trouble working with numbers, such as balancing a checkbook

Practical tips for aphasia

A person with aphasia may still think and understand, even if responding is hard. Try to:

• Ask questions that can be answered with a yes or a no.

• Speak slowly and clearly in simple sentences. Use simple words, but don’t “talk down” to the person.

• Give the person time to understand and to respond. Try not to speak for the person unless you must.