Refractory effects aka refractory variables are complex elements of speech that may complicate a speaker's ability to produce words or sentences when aphasia may slow language processing. Refractory effects/ refractory variables include appropriate speed of speech, relatedness of words, similar sounding phonemes, etc.

Claremont Graduate University

Aphasia is a type of speech disability typically caused by an injury, namely stroke, in the brain. Aphasia impairs executive function concerning language.

Aphasia

Cahana-Amitay, D., & Albert, M. L. (2015). Redefining recovery from aphasia. Oxford University Press. Retrieved July 9, 2022

Redefining Recovery from Aphasia

According to research, those with aphasia can experience executive dysfunction in both the chronic and acute stages. In studies, individuals with post-stroke aphasia have been shown to perform significantly lower on tests to determine executive function than those individuals with brain damage who did not have aphasia.

Aphasia and Executive Function in the Acute and Chronic Stages

A common manifestation in behavior that occurs in post-stroke aphasia is the presence of what is called "switching cost". This refers to a slower reaction time when switching tasks and a difficulty adjusting to new behaviors. 

"Switching Cost" in Aphasia

Refractory Effects or Refractory Variables

Multiple studies have shown that impaired emotional state negatively impacts an individual's cognitive processing. This is also true in those with aphasia. Depression, anxiety, and symptoms found in such conditions may inhibit one's ability to regain speech production or relearn as quickly as others.

Aphasia and Emotional State/ Psychology

Many individuals with post-stroke aphasia suffer from some form of memory loss. 

Aphasia and Memory

Individuals with post-stroke aphasia often struggle with apraxia. Apraxia is a disruption of motor functions or a loss of physical control and accuracy that may inhibit or randomize movements. This is sometimes treated with physic al therapy and is a common source of loss of employment or capability associated with post-stroke aphasiacs entering disability programs.

The Role of Praxis/Apraxia in Aphasia

Aphasia is grouped into different types depending on the area of the brain affected and the symptoms specific to said damage. While most may think there are two types of aphasia, Broca's and Wernicke's, as these are the most common, there are actually ten types of aphasia.

Types of Aphasia

An aphasiologist is an individual who studies aphasia. Although this term can be used in medical settings, it is primarily used in academic settings. 

Aphasiologist

A somewhat outdated term that some use in place of the word “aphasia”. In this case, the word “dissociation” refers to the fact that some language skills remain while others disappear. 

Dissociation Syndrome (Aphasia)

There are many non-linguistics symptoms an aphasiac/ Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor might have, including impaired memory, trouble making judgements, trouble with other executive functions, amnesia, social disinhibition, impaired visual processing skills, and more.

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