When words are lost, but hope is not stopped: The fight to restore communication

Speaking is much more than a skill, it is the way we express our thoughts, feelings and desires. Losing the ability to speak is like losing a part of yourself. But sometimes, the brain stops functioning properly and the words that once came so naturally become a serious barrier to speaking. This is the reality of people affected by aphasia.

Sevdije Marmullaku
Licensed Speech Therapist
Special Educator
Therapist trained for people with Aphasia
Tel. +044 596

Aphasia is a disease that impairs communication, but does not take away other life opportunities. It is a daily struggle to regain speech and meaning. Although it is a great challenge, it can be overcome with support, treatment, and determination.

In this article, we will learn more about aphasia and the opportunities we have to help those struggling with this disease regain what has been lost, because it is never too late to regain speech and we should never remain silent to help those who need it.

What is Aphasia?

Aphasia is a serious communication disorder that affects individuals after brain damage, depriving them of the acquired skills of speaking, understanding, reading and writing. Although it most often occurs in adults after strokes (cerebral infarction), it is increasingly being observed in children, as a result of trauma, infections or epilepsy.

Aphasia is a neurological disorder that arises from damage to the brain structures responsible for language. It is not a loss of intelligence, but an inability to process language, which makes communication difficult and sometimes impossible.

Did you know that Aphasia can affect anyone?

Aphasia is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or health history. Its causes are varied and often external to the individual. Some of the most common causes that lead to the development of aphasia include:

• Strokes – A stroke can damage parts of the brain that are responsible for communication, causing the loss of the ability to speak or understand words.
• Traumatic head injuries – Head trauma, such as injuries during accidents, can directly affect brain functions related to speech.
• Tumors or degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's – Brain tumors and diseases like Alzheimer's can cause brain damage that affects the ability to communicate.
• Severe intoxications – Toxic substances can impair brain function and cause problems with speech and comprehension.
• Metabolic disorders – Certain metabolic disorders can affect the brain and its ability to process and use information, leading to the development of aphasia.

To prevent and treat aphasia, it is important to take care of your overall health and seek medical help whenever you feel neurological concerns. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and improve your chances of recovery.

How do we recognize it and how do we react?

Aphasia can manifest in a variety of ways, and it's important to be aware of the symptoms that may signal this condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Difficulty finding the right words (anomia) – People with aphasia often have trouble finding the words they want to use, making communication slower and more difficult.
• Difficulty understanding spoken language – Some individuals may have difficulty understanding ordinary conversations, creating confusion and frustration.
• Problems with spontaneous speech, articulation, or sentence structure – Speech may become slurred, inaccurate, or incomplete, affecting the ability to express thoughts clearly.
• Involuntary repetition of words or sentences (perseverations) – People may repeat words or phrases aimlessly, making it difficult to carry on a normal conversation.
• Impaired writing and reading (agraphia and alexia) – Aphasia can affect the ability to write and read, making those activities much more difficult.
• Impairments in the ability to perform simple mathematical operations (acalculia) – The impact of aphasia can also include the loss of the ability to perform simple calculations.

One of the saddest aspects of aphasia is that many people affected by this disease may not be aware of their difficulties, a phenomenon known as anosognosiaThis means they may not realize they have communication problems and may not seek help or support.

Tip: If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Early treatment can help manage symptoms and improve communication skills. Don't hesitate to offer support and create a warm and understanding environment for those going through this challenge.

Aphasia in children

Aphasia is not a disease that only affects adults; it can also occur in children, often as a result of trauma, brain infections, or other diseases. When aphasia affects children, it can manifest in different forms:

• Congenital aphasia – This occurs before or immediately after birth and often manifests as difficulty speaking, while language comprehension may be preserved.
• Acquired aphasia – This occurs after normal language development and can appear suddenly, causing the loss of the ability to speak.
• Landau-Kleffner syndrome – A rare form related to epilepsy and often appears between the ages of 3 and 7, causing loss of communication skills.

Aphasia can be recovered! The earlier aphasia is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment. Therefore, it is very important to seek professional help and begin therapy as soon as possible.

Speech therapy is essential for children and includes:

• Exercises to improve speech comprehension and production – These exercises help children develop their communication skills.
• Word, sentence repetition, reading and writing – This helps strengthen language skills and helps children communicate more easily.
• Memory, attention and visual perception exercises – These exercises are important for developing information processing and learning skills.
• Use of pictures, text and language games – This is especially useful for children, as the use of visual and entertaining tools can help improve communication skills.

In addition to therapies, family and social support are essential for recovery from aphasia. Being patient and creating a safe and supportive environment is very important for the person going through this challenge. Social activities, the use of other means of communication, and involvement in the therapeutic process are also essential for gradual improvement. Emotional and psychological support, along with guidance from professionals, are key to ensuring a successful recovery and a return to the ability to communicate. /Telegraph/