Language Difficulties and Alzheimer’s – Aphasia
Original abstract oil painting on canvas.Modern impressionism
Alzheimer’s label is the pervasive memory loss. Alzheimer’ s does not affect only the memory. In some patients it can also affect the language and the ability to speak, write and understand words.
The symptom is called aphasia. When the brain has difficulty processing words, the person will have a hard time following instructions or understanding questions. Aphasia results from damage to the left side of the brain where the center of speech is located and it is seen more commonly in stroke patients. In Alzheimer’s patients aphasia can manifest in the advanced, later stages of the disease.
The patients with Alzheimer’s can develop 2 forms of aphasia: fluent and non-fluent. In the fluent aphasia the patient has the ability to speak and formulate sentences, but they make little sense. In the non-fluent aphasia people have trouble finding words and getting words out. They often use short phrases that sound almost like telegrams. They talk slowly and hesitantly, and may show signs of frustration with their inability to speak.
Communicating and coping with aphasia in Alzheimer’s patients requires a couple of simple skills.
When listening have patience, do not interrupt, rush them or correct their speech.
When speaking try to talk slowly and clearly. Use short simple sentences, and when possible ask questions with “yes” or “no” answers.
Oxana Popescu MD
Bibliography: “Language Troubles: Understanding Aphasia”, by Karen Michels, Preserving Your Memory, Fall 2018 Issue