Acquired disorders of language and their treatment

Abstract

This chapter covers the classification of acquired aphasic syndromes. It illustrates some of the speech errors aphasic stroke patients make with videos of a patient describing a picture and attempting to repeat words. The main part of the chapter assesses the evidence base for speech and language therapy (SALT) and answers the following questions: Does SALT work? What is the correct dose and intensity? And is it ever too late for SALT intervention? We then discuss two main adjuvants to SALT: one old—drug therapy; one new—non-invasive brain stimulation. Finally, we examine the role for e-rehabilitation and augmentative aids before asking what the future might hold for aphasia therapy, and wondering if it might already be here.