Medical research has had a huge impact on our lives, from the discovery of antibiotics to new cures for cancer and treatments for heart disease.  Similarly, research efforts are leading to steady progress in the diagnosis and treatment of aphasia.  Some major advances in recent decades include:

• Detailed mapping of language networks in the brain, made possible by functional MRI and other advanced imaging techniques. This information has truly revolutionized our understanding of how the brain supports language and how language networks reorganize during recovery from damage.  In turn, this new understanding of the biological mechanisms supporting language has provided important new insights into how recovery might be enhanced.
• Development of more precise and individualized diagnosis methods. No two individuals with aphasia have exactly the same impairments.  This is because language networks are complex and multi-faceted, and because no two instances of brain damage are identical in terms of location and size.  Modern testing methods have so far revealed over a dozen general patterns of aphasia, as well as complex mixtures of these patterns.  Precise, individualized diagnosis of language and speech impairments is fundamental for designing new speech and language therapies for maximal recovery.
• Development and testing of intensive aphasia therapy programs. Much like immersive approaches are optimal for learning a second language efficiently, studies show that intensive, daily speech-language therapy leads to faster recovery of language abilities compared to traditional therapy schedules.  More research is needed to identify optimal speech-language exercise schedules (such as number of hours per day and number of days) and how this differs for different types of aphasia.
• Development of non-invasive brain stimulation methods aimed at enhancing recovery. Methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) have shown promise in initial studies.  These techniques aim to enhance recovery by encouraging neural “plasticity” during language exercises.  Much research is needed to determine where, when, and how stimulation should be delivered to the brain for optimal effectiveness, and how this differs for different types of aphasia.
• Development of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. A small number of people with inability to speak due to tongue and mouth muscle paralysis (as occurs in advanced ALS and a few other conditions) have regained some ability to communicate after surgical implantation of electrodes in the brain.  The electrodes directly measure neural activity patterns in speech production areas of the brain, which are converted to speech sounds using computer AI techniques.  Ongoing research is investigating how similar signals from undamaged brain areas in people with aphasia might be used to convert thoughts into speech even when the word retrieval areas of the brain are damaged.
• Development of alternative approaches to enhance quality of life for people and families living with aphasia. Ongoing research is investigating a wide range of techniques such as augmentative technologies, socialization and community engagement, music and art activities, caregiver training, behavioral and family therapy, and other approaches focused on enhancing quality of life rather than recovery of language function per se.  Many of these techniques have been documented to improve communication effectiveness and confidence, and to lessen depression and anxiety often experienced by people with aphasia and their loved ones.

Despite the high prevalence and often devastating consequences of aphasia, research funding in these and other promising areas is limited and is a relatively low priority at the federal level due to insufficient advocacy and awareness.  You can support aphasia research in several ways:

• By making a donation to the NAA using the link here.
• By volunteering to participate in aphasia research studies, some of which are listed here.
• By raising awareness of aphasia within your local community through participation in and organization of fund-raising and educational events.
• By lobbying your representatives in state and federal office to increase funding for aphasia research.