Aphasia is a language disorder. It affects how people understand and use words. It can make it hard to speak, understand others, read, or write. Aphasia happens when the part of the brain that controls language is damaged, most often from a stroke, but also from a brain injury, tumor, or infection. Aphasia does not affect a person’s intelligence — just their ability to access language.
The most common cause of aphasia is a stroke, when blood flow to the brain is blocked or interrupted. Without oxygen, brain cells in the language areas can become damaged or die. Aphasia can also be caused by a traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, brain infection, or progressive neurological diseases such as Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).
Aphasia affects more than 2 million people in the United States alone. It is more common than Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, yet many people have never heard of it. Approximately 180,000 people acquire aphasia each year, most often after a stroke.
Anyone can acquire aphasia, regardless of age, race, or background. However, it is important to understand that because it is a loss of language abilities, the individual would already have an acquired language system.
No. Aphasia can vary greatly. Some people have trouble speaking clearly, but can still understand language well. Others may have trouble understanding what others say, or have difficulty reading and writing. The severity and type of aphasia depend on which parts of the brain are affected and how much damage occurred.
No. Aphasia does not make someone less smart. People with aphasia are still thinking, feeling, and understanding — they just have trouble expressing or accessing language. This can be frustrating for them and confusing for others, but it’s important to remember that their ideas and thoughts are still there.
Motor Speech Disorders can accompany aphasia, complicating both diagnosis and treatment and adding frustration to the aphasia journey. Apraxia impacts motor control and programming, which can make pronunciation of words inconsistent or extremely difficult even at the sound level. Dysarthria impacts the muscles directly, making speech often sound slurred or distorted.
No. Aphasia and dementia are different. People with aphasia may have difficulty finding the right words or understanding language, but their memory and thinking skills can still be strong. In dementia, memory and judgment usually decline over time. That said, there are some types of dementia, like Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), that start with language problems but will progress to other areas of the brain, impacting other functions.
Aphasia can be classified in several ways. Aphasia can be described as fluent or nonfluent, or classified in types based on what aspects of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are impaired. Common types are listed here, but the reader is encouraged to review our Glossary of Terms for additional detail and explanation.
PPA is a rare type of aphasia caused by a gradual loss of brain cells in the areas responsible for language. Unlike aphasia from a stroke or injury, PPA declines over time. It is not caused by a sudden event rather by a disease in the brain, like frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) or Alzheimer’s. PPA can begin in midlife and often affects speech before other thinking abilities. See our section on PPA and PPAOS for more information.
Aphasia is diagnosed through a combination of medical imaging and language testing. Doctors may use brain scans like MRIs or CT scans to see where the damage is located. A speech-language pathologist will evaluate how a person speaks, understands, reads, and writes. This helps figure out the type and severity of aphasia and what kind of help will be most useful.
Yes. Many people improve with speech-language therapy, especially when it starts early and is personalized for the individual. Therapy focuses on helping people regain language skills, learn new ways to communicate, and use tools like pictures or apps. Therapy should also include training for the communication partners in the person’s life. Recovery can continue for years… It’s never too late to tap into our brain’s neuroplasticity. See the glossary for more information on types of treatment.
Yes. People with aphasia often benefit from communication aids such as:
These tools support communication while people are recovering language skills. Technology continues to create more ways for people with aphasia to express themselves.
Check out our Living with Aphasia Day to Day and Resources sections for additional techniques and ideas.
Yes. Aphasia affects language, not movement. Some people with aphasia walk and move normally. Others may also have physical challenges, especially if their stroke or injury affected other parts of the brain. For example, a person with a left hemisphere stroke may have right arm and leg weakness along with language deficits (aphasia).
Yes, some people with aphasia return to work, depending on the type of job, the severity of the aphasia, and the supports in place. Some people may change roles or work part-time. Others may not return to paid work but stay active through volunteering or community activities. See our NAA Purpose & Possibility section for more information
Recovery is different for everyone. Some people improve a lot in the first few months after the injury. Others may take years to regain skills. Some people live with aphasia for life but find ways to adapt and communicate. Therapy, support, and time all help.
This is a much-debated question, as the definition of aphasia is an acquired language disorder, suggesting that there must be an intact, mature language system prior to the brain injury, stroke, or illness. These language challenges, then, can be partly developmental.
Absolutely. People with aphasia continue to laugh, love, create, work, play, and connect. Many people find new hobbies, build strong relationships, and become advocates. Support, understanding, and community help make this possible.
Here are some helpful tips:
See our Communication Tips sections for more examples and training opportunities
You can:
The National Aphasia Association offers:
Check out our Events page for additional information
Aphasia does not change how a person thinks, but it can affect how well they can express or understand legal information. Depending on the situation, a legal expert or advocate may be needed to ensure the person’s rights and wishes are understood and respected. Communication supports can help people be part of legal and medical decisions. Contact answers@aphasia.org for supports, ideas, and referrals.
Yes, many people with aphasia can drive. There are issues that impact this area, including visual abilities, reaction time, attention, and the need for physical adaptations. Physician input and a driving evaluation can be sought through rehabilitation centers and occupational therapy departments. Let us know if you need resources in your state/situation. We recommend carrying information about aphasia in your vehicle, whether you are the driver or passenger. Here are some helpful resources:
