"Aphasia is a loss of language, not a loss of intellect."

We know this is true. Many people with aphasia have no problems with other thinking skills, like memory or planning. It's only an issue of communication. 💬

Aphasia is caused by damage to the brain, usually by a stroke or head injury. 🧠

However, brain damage can also cause cognitive problems. Especially early on. 💭

When researchers tested people with aphasia, they found that almost ALL of the people with aphasia had problems with attention. Even when it has nothing to do with language. 🤯

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Why Attention Matters in Aphasia

Attention is necessary to understand what others are saying. It's required to keep a thought in mind long enough to express it. It's definitely needed for reading and writing. Attention is a pre-requisite for communication. 🔗

However, attention is also needed simply to participate in therapy. Imagine a person trying to learn new words or strategies in speech therapy, but they can't focus on the therapist. If they're distracted, the information will never get in, let alone be remembered and used. 🤔

That's why people with aphasia who have problems with attention have worse therapy outcomes than those without attention problems. 😕

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What We Can Do

Studies show that if we treat the attention problem first, we can improve outcomes in therapy. We may be able to improve communication just by treating attention, but we'll see the best results when we treat both attention and communication in people with aphasia. 🥳

Speech therapists need to perform tests to determine if attention is a problem, then incorporate direct attention training or attention strategies into their treatment plans. 📝

Earlier this year we shared specific strategies to help manage distractions, many of which work well for people with aphasia. Revisit that newsletter if you recognize signs of decreased attention in yourself or your loved one with aphasia. 👆

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Advocate for Yourself

It's never too late to make progress in aphasia therapy. If it's been a while since you've talked with a speech therapist, see if there are opportunities to get back in to freshen up a home program or take a more cognitive approach. If you're seeing a speech therapist now, share our new blog with them: What SLPs Need to Know About Attention & Aphasia. 📧

If therapy isn't what you're after, focus on how you set up the environment during conversations, home exercises, or even activities of daily living like dressing, grooming, and eating to maximize attention. 🙌

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See how shifting focus to attention can support recovery in both daily life and language! 🎯✨Keep up the hard work—we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Best wishes,

Megan

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P.S. Learn how to use our apps at home to help recovery. Our Using Apps guides will ensure you're getting the most out of your home practice.