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Aphasia causes problems with communication including speaking, understanding others, reading and writing.
It affects people in different ways, but symptoms may include:
Aphasia is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that deal with language. Common causes include:
Anyone can get aphasia, but it's more common in people over 65. This is because the risk of stroke and conditions like dementia is higher for older people.
There are different types of aphasia depending on which part of your brain has been affected.
You or someone you're with suddenly has:
These can be signs of a stroke, which needs to be treated immediately.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Aphasia is treated with speech and language therapy.
A speech and language therapist can assess your symptoms and work with you to improve your speaking, reading and writing. They can help you to find different ways to communicate.
Treatment depends on your symptoms but can include:
Speech and language therapy may be done individually, in a group, face to face or online.
It also usually involves the people around you, like your family or friends, and anyone who may help care for you.
There is currently no cure for aphasia. How much it affects your life varies from person to person, and depends on the cause and amount of damage to the brain.
It can be very frustrating, confusing and difficult if you or someone you know has aphasia. It can affect people's relationships and independence in daily life, and cause anxiety, low mood and depression, loneliness or isolation.
Talking therapies and support from your care team can help with these problems.
If aphasia was caused by a stroke, head injury or brain tumour, most people improve with treatment, especially in the first few months. People can still improve months or years later, and some do recover fully.
If aphasia is caused by a condition that gets worse over time, like dementia, the symptoms are likely to get worse. Treatment may focus on learning and practising other ways of communicating, like drawing, body language or using technology.
Speech and language therapy should help, and there are things you and others can do to help manage aphasia.
Aphasia can be a difficult condition to live with, practically and emotionally.
As well as support from your doctor and speech and language therapist, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with aphasia, either at a local group or online.
There are also national charities that can offer support and information about aphasia.
Information, support and resources for anyone affected by aphasia after a stroke.
In-person and online support groups, as well as other information and resources, for anyone affected by aphasia.
Online and in-person support groups and buddying for people with aphasia.
Information, and practical and emotional support for people affected by aphasia.
