Aphasia
Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that can occur after a stroke, traumatic brain injury or other brain damage. It affects speaking, language comprehension, reading and writing – but not intelligence. With targeted therapy many people with aphasia can make significant progress.
What is aphasia?
Aphasia arises from damage to the language-processing areas of the brain, usually in the left hemisphere. It occurs suddenly – as a direct consequence of the event that caused the brain injury.
Aphasia is not a disorder of thinking or personality. People with aphasia often have clear thoughts but can no longer express them in language, or only to a limited degree – which is very distressing for both those affected and their families.
Common forms of aphasia
- Broca's aphasia – slow, effortful speech with simplified grammar; comprehension usually better preserved
- Wernicke's aphasia – fluent but hard-to-understand speech; comprehension severely impaired
- Global aphasia – most severe form; all language modalities severely affected
- Anomic aphasia – word-finding difficulties in the foreground; speaking and comprehension largely preserved
Effects on daily life
Aphasia affects all language modalities to varying degrees:
- Speaking: word-finding difficulties, broken sentences, neologisms (invented words)
- Comprehension: difficulty with long or complex sentences
- Reading: difficulty understanding texts, single words or letters
- Writing: spelling errors, letter substitutions, missing words
- Communication: social isolation, changed roles in family and work
What family members should know
Communicating with a person with aphasia calls for patience and adapted strategies: speak calmly and clearly, allow plenty of time, use simple sentence structures and visual support (pictures, gestures).
The burden on family members is often considerable. We actively involve family members in therapy and advise on communication strategies for everyday life.
Our approach
Therapy begins with a standardised aphasia assessment covering all language modalities. Individual therapy goals are then defined based on the person's everyday needs and wishes.
We combine language-system exercises with everyday-oriented communication therapy. AAC strategies are introduced as needed.
Therapy process
- 1Standardised aphasia assessment
- 2Setting everyday goals together with the person and their family
- 3Language-system exercises: word finding, grammar, comprehension
- 4Everyday-oriented communication therapy
- 5Family counselling and communication strategies
- 6Progress measurement and goal revision
Frequently asked questions
How long does recovery from aphasia take?
The greatest progress is made in the first weeks and months after the event. Improvement is still possible years later, however. Regular, intensive therapy is key.
My mother had a stroke – when should speech therapy begin?
As early as possible, already in the acute phase. Speech therapy is usually started in the rehabilitation clinic and should be continued on an outpatient basis after discharge to consolidate progress.
How many sessions per week are advisable?
For aphasia, intensive therapy – at least 2–3 sessions per week – is particularly recommended in the acute phase. Frequency and duration are coordinated with the health insurer and treating physician.
Are there self-help groups for people with aphasia?
Yes – the German Bundesvereinigung der Aphasiker provides information and connects people with regional self-help groups. Being with others who share similar experiences can complement therapy in a valuable way.
Ready for the next step?
Book your first appointment online or get in touch with our practice in Erding.