A post stroke or trauma to the brain can lead to aphasia. Various patients may suffer from various types of aphasia like Wernicke’s, Broca’s or Global aphasia. The symptoms and language degeneration in each of the different types of speech disorders results from an effect to the language centre in the brain. People who suffer from global aphasia are bound to suffer the worst as they would find comprehending written words and expressions difficult too.
Exercises: Once a person finds it difficult to understand written language, it is best to see a speech therapist immediately. Based on the symptoms, the therapist would suggest various exercises. Also, there are a few exercises that can be practised at home as well.
Before beginning any exercise, have the patient touch his/her nose, then point at the wall and then clap hands. This can be done in coordination with the patient to motivate him/her.
- Mention all the objects existing within a room and have them pointed to by the patient upon asking.
- Find answers to yes/no questions. The response can be a simple nod.
- Teach days of the week, names of months and numbers et.
- Singing also can help in aphasic cases.
- Teach meanings to simple words. For example, not hot would be cold, not cold would be hot et.
- Ask them to name an object upon description. For instance, an object used to write.
- Teach them to categorise things or objects like birds, animals et.
- Try extracting the meanings of well used words from the patients.
- Copy writing can also prove to be very helpful.
- Point out to an object and have them write down the name of the object.
- Help them learn writing their own details like name, address, telephone number et.
- Teach them writing their own sentences from a given word.
- Word games like crosswords and scramble can be of real help.
- Word matching and picture matching can also prove to be very useful.
Global aphasia sufferers’ symptoms tend to vary from patient to patient. it is important to get the required training from a speech therapist based upon the traits exhibited.
