Aphasia is a disorder that results from damage to the language areas of the brain.

A person with aphasia may experience difficulties with:

• Speaking, 

• Understanding, 

• Reading and/or 

• Writing

Caring for a loved one with aphasia? Check out this article for useful tips and watch this video!

Aphasia: Signs and symptoms​

Some people with aphasia have receptive aphasia, which means they have problem understanding what is said. Some may have expressive aphasia, which is difficulty expressing oneself using words. Others may have both receptive and expressive aphasia.

Aphasia can also cause problems with written language. Aphasia may lead to difficulties with reading and writing in people who were literate before the brain damage.

The severity of the aphasia depends on the extent and area of damage to the brain. Persons with mild aphasia may be able to participate in day-to-day conversations fairly well but may have difficulties understanding complex instructions. They may also experience some trouble in expressing their thoughts fluently due to difficulty "finding the right words" to use.

In contrast, people with severe aphasia may not understand anything that is said to them. They may be unable to say anything, or if they attempt a few words, those words may be repeated again and again in all responses. In other cases, a person with severe aphasia may appear to be speaking fluently, but most of the words and sentences do not make sense.

Aphasia: How is it diagnosed?

When a person shows signs of changes in communication ability after brain damage, doctors or other healthcare professionals caring for that person may refer him or her to a speech-language therapist (SLT).

The SLT assesses the person and determines the type and severity of aphasia through a detailed evaluation of the person's com munication ability. The assessment may include an assessment of the person's speech, voice, understanding, ability to use words, reading and writing. 

Aphasia: How is it treated?

Aphasia treatment depends on the needs and goals of the person with aphasia. The SLT may focus on specific language skills identified as problems after brain damage. For example, the patient may practice naming objects, following instructions or answering questions. The exercises vary depending on the person's needs and can become more complex and challenging as language skills improve.

When speaking is not possible, the SLT may teach the person with aphasia other ways to express their ideas. For example, the person may be more able to use gestures and writing.

For people with mild aphasia, the SLT may focus on conversation skills. Sessions may include role-playing common communication situations such as making a telephone enquiry, ordering a meal in a restaurant, and giving a presentation. These role-play activities eventually equip the person with skills and confidence to communicate independently.

If there are concerns about you/your family member's ability to communicate, please consult a doctor to obtain a Speech Therapy referral.

You may also click on the links of the SingHealth Speech Therapy Departments with the relevant services to find out more or obtain contact details:  

Changi General Hospital (CGH) 

Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) 

Singapore General Hospital (SGH) 

​​Ref: I23 (ed)

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