What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate. It doesn't affect intelligence—people with aphasia know what they want to say, they just have trouble saying it.
Understanding Aphasia
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person's ability to process language, but does not affect intelligence. It impacts the ability to speak, understand speech, read, and write—but not cognition.
Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say, but the words just won't come out right. Or hearing someone speak and understanding they're saying something important, but it sounds like a foreign language. That's what living with aphasia can feel like.
What Causes Aphasia?
Aphasia is caused by damage to the language centers of the brain, most commonly in the left hemisphere.
Stroke
The most common cause, accounting for about 25-40% of stroke survivors
Traumatic Brain Injury
Head injuries from accidents, falls, or sports can damage language areas
Brain Tumors
Tumors in or near language centers can disrupt communication abilities
Progressive Conditions
Dementia and other neurological diseases can cause gradual aphasia
Types of Aphasia
There are several types of aphasia, each affecting language differently.
Broca's Aphasia
Expressive or Non-fluent
Difficulty producing speech, but comprehension is relatively preserved. Speech is effortful and telegraphic.
Example: "Want... coffee... please"
Wernicke's Aphasia
Receptive or Fluent
Speech flows easily but may not make sense. Difficulty understanding spoken and written language.
Example: Fluent speech with made-up or wrong words
Global Aphasia
Most severe form
Severe difficulty with both speaking and understanding. Often occurs immediately after stroke.
Example: Very limited communication ability
Anomic Aphasia
Mildest form
Difficulty finding the right words, especially nouns and verbs. Otherwise relatively intact language.
Example: "I need the... thing... you know, for writing"
Aphasia by the Numbers
How to Communicate with Someone with Aphasia
Communication is a two-way street. Here are tips to make conversations more successful and less frustrating for everyone.
Do
- Use simple, short sentences
- Give the person time to respond
- Use gestures, writing, or drawings to help
- Confirm understanding by asking yes/no questions
- Include them in conversations
Don't
- Don't finish their sentences (unless they want you to)
- Don't speak louder—they can hear you
- Don't pretend to understand if you don't
- Don't talk about them as if they're not there
- Don't assume they can't think clearly
The Most Important Thing to Remember
Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. People with aphasia are the same people they were before—with the same thoughts, feelings, memories, and personality. They just need different ways to communicate. Your patience and understanding can make all the difference.
Sources & References
The information on this page is based on peer-reviewed research and clinical guidelines from leading medical and speech-language organizations.
Experience Aphasia Firsthand
Try our interactive simulation to understand what living with aphasia feels like. Build empathy and become a better communicator.
Try the Aphasia Simulation