Two years ago the family of Bruce Willis announced that the actor he retired after being diagnosed with aphasia, a type of dementia that seriously affects the patient’s ability to communicate and is incompatible with their profession. Unfortunately, this disorder has no treatment or curebut the available therapy focuses on improving quality of life and trying to improve communication skills.
Aphasia occurs when the areas of the brain that control comprehension and speech production suffer damage, and can present in various ways, depending on the type and severity of brain damage. Some people experience difficulty finding words or expressing ideas, while others may have difficulty understanding spoken or written language.
Symptoms can range from mild, where communication is somewhat complicated but possible, to severe, where the affected person has significant difficulty communicating at all, as in the actor’s case.
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The causes of aphasia can be varied. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common is stroke, which can disrupt the blood and oxygen supply to the brain, causing damage to the areas responsible for language. Other causes include head trauma, brain tumors, central nervous system infections, and degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Diagnosing aphasia typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary medical team, which may include neurologists, speech-language pathologists, and other rehabilitation specialists. During the evaluation, you can perform language skills tests, such as speech comprehension and reading, as well as speech production and writing. Tests may also include brain imaging, such as MRIs or CT scans, to identify the area of the brain affected and determine the underlying cause of the aphasia.
Once aphasia has been diagnosed, the treatment focuses on improving communication skills and patient quality of life. Speech and language therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, explains Medline Plus. Thus, speech and language experts work with patients to improve their ability to understand and practice the language through a variety of techniquessuch as vocabulary exercises, conversation practice and use of assisted communication devices.
In addition to speech and language therapy, aphasia rehabilitation may include other approaches, such as occupational therapy and physical therapy, depending on the individual needs of the patient. At the same time, rehabilitation can also involve emotional and psychological support, since this disease has a significant impact on the patient’s self-esteem and quality of life.
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It is important to note that recovery from aphasia can be a long and very hard process. Some people may experience significant improvements in their ability to communicate, while others may face persistent long-term difficulties.
