[Invalidity and aphasia].

Abstract

Aphasia may be conceived as a disturbance in one of the functional capacities. Most functional capacities may be 'measured' by performance scales (Katz, Barthel Index, Kenny Numerical Scale). These scales do measure more the 'amount' or 'need' of help than the disturbance itself. So, they measure in fact economic variables instead of medical ones. In 'Regina Pacis' we developed medical scales for the ADL and performance in ambulation. The question is raised whether in certain conditions, they might serve as parameters for the improvement of speech in aphasia. From this starting point these conditions are reviewed and it is thought that a common denominator for both disorders may be found: the ideamotoric disturbance, caused by the CVA. The question is raised if--in those accidents--man himself is fundamentally reduced (stricken) or only deprived from his instruments and tools.