Aphasia is a language disorder, usually caused by stroke or brain injury, that interferes with producing or understanding language. It is not a loss of intelligence, and it is not dementia. The person in front of you still knows what they want to say. The path from thought to word has been damaged.
Understanding that distinction changes how you talk to someone with aphasia, and how it feels to be on the receiving end.
Practical communication changes
- Speak at a normal volume. Aphasia is not a hearing problem.
- Use short, direct sentences and one idea at a time.
- Give the person time. Resist finishing their sentences for them.
- Ask yes-or-no questions when open questions stall.
- Use gestures, writing, drawing, and pointing: any channel that works.
- Confirm what you understood before moving on.
- Reduce background noise. Turn the television off before starting a conversation.
What not to do
Do not talk about the person as if they are not in the room, a habit that develops quickly and is deeply demoralizing. Do not pretend to understand when you have not. And do not quiz them; testing vocabulary during a conversation turns a relationship into a therapy session.
Supporting the caregiver
Communication that used to be effortless now takes concentration, and that is tiring for both people. Speech-language pathologists can teach specific supported-conversation techniques, and aphasia support groups exist in most metropolitan areas. Professional in-home caregivers trained in aphasia-aware communication can also carry some of the daily load.
This article is general information, not medical advice. See our disclaimers.
