Effect of Formal Education on Initial Severity of Aphasia - A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Literature supports the education levels of an individual is important for language performance. Cognitive reserve within individuals can be explained on the basis of years of education, occupational achievements, reading habits and lifestyle of an individual. This retrospective study is a preliminary attempt to determine relationship between premorbid educational level and initial aphasia severity. For this purpose, thirty-two Malayalam speaking individuals with aphasia with a maximum post stroke period of three months having three levels of educational qualifications, below and above tenth grade and under graduates were selected. Detailed speech and language assessment were carried out using formal assessment tool. The severity of language impairment was determined by calculating Aphasia quotient. One way ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance. Although, subjects had similarities in pattern of Cerebrovascular accidents severity of aphasia varies. The subjects with lower Aphasia Quotient are present in all groups, illustrating that there is less corelation between the subjects' educational attainment and the severity of their communication problems. Key words: Aphasia, Formal education, Aphasia Quotient