Most treatment for aphasia is focused on behavioral techniques, such as speech and language therapy (SLT) and constraint-induced language therapy (CILT). However, some pair the behavioral rehabilitation with medications like piracetam or bromocriptine. Piracetam has been seen to improve learning and memory, by targeting cognitive, language, and memory functions. Bromocriptine targets the dopamine system, improving mood and motor abilities. 

Rutgers University

Aphasia is a language disorder which is typically acquired after stroke. It is characterized by impairment of language-based processes, such as auditory comprehension, reading, oral expression, and writing. The level of impairment depends upon the type of aphasia, which also depends upon the damaged brain region. There are two levels of intensity: acute and chronic. While those with acute post-stroke aphasia may reach some level of normalcy in their linguistic centers of the brain, many with chronic aphasia struggle to receive sufficient treatment, whether due to the required time and intensity of treatment or financial restrictions — there are very few recovery stories in those with chronic aphasia.  

Aphasia

Treatment Process

Speech and language therapy, otherwise known as SLT, is a form of behavioral therapy which combines two approaches: the impairment-based approach and the functional communication approach. While the impairment approach targets the foundation of language (breaking speech down into phonology, syntax, etc.) to decrease one’s level of linguistic impairment, the functional communication approach teaches the patient how to communicate in order to get their needs met. 

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT)

Constraint-induced language therapy is a form of treatment which forces the patient to only use verbal communication. Involving intense games and language cues, the main purpose is to avoid the reliance of the patient on gestures or body language to communicate. Generally, this is seen to significantly improve an individual’s expressive speech and verbal communication, but does not seem to improve writing abilities. It can be beneficial for both short and intense sessions, or slower, distributed sessions. 

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