Written by Jacob Liu | Edited by Aishah Mahmoud
Photo by Thirdman
While language and communication are abilities many of us take for granted, nearly 15 million people worldwide–including 2 million in the US alone–are affected by a language disorder known as aphasia. The family of beloved actor Bruce Willis recently shared his diagnosis of aphasia in the spring of 2022, which has since progressed to frontotemporal dementia as of early 2023 [1]. This news has brought more attention to the condition of aphasia and how it progresses. However, it has also become apparent just how little the public community is aware of aphasia and the implications of its condition [2]. In light of this, it is vital to recognize the necessity of educating the public community about aphasia and how it can affect those closest to us.
Aphasia is an acquired syndrome of the brain that affects an individual’s ability to comprehend and express language [3]. Aphasia is diagnosed according to observable damage to the brain, often caused by stroke, head trauma, or other neurological disorders such as brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases [4]. The subcategories of aphasia are organized by the area of the brain they affect, namely Broca’s aphasia, Wernicke’s aphasia, and global aphasia. Broca’s aphasia, also called nonfluent aphasia, affects Broca’s area in the frontal lobe of the brain that is responsible for the verbalization of language as speaking [5]. Wernicke’s aphasia, known as fluent aphasia, affects Wernicke’s area in the temporal lobe of the brain, which is responsible for understanding language and comprehension. In more severe cases, global aphasia is a multifaceted combination of multiple aphasias, which can leave an individual with severe difficulty in expressing and understanding language. In fact, some patients can develop cognitive deficits as a result of brain restructuring. However, other patients are able to communicate through facial expressions, gestures, and other wordless modalities [6].
Some aphasias may be temporary if the brain is able to recover in the affected areas, but there are currently no effective cures for aphasia. Due to the degeneration and irreparable damage it can cause, there is ongoing research into managing therapies to ameliorate individual symptoms as their condition progresses [2]. By addressing common misconceptions about aphasia, individuals like Bruce Willis can find more inclusive awareness and understanding of their condition when diagnosed with aphasia. In recognizing the public’s unfamiliarity with aphasia and neurodegenerative disease in general, it is essential to educate and clarify misconceptions to bolster prevention of aphasia wherever possible. Research into the causes and management of aphasia and neurodegenerative disease is ongoing, but it is imperative that a specific focus is taken to improve care and effective treatment of these conditions. Beyond those currently affected, research must continue to explore possible ways to mitigate future cases of aphasia.
References:
5. Wang, R., Wiley, C. (2020). Confusion vs Broca Aphasia: A Case Report. The Permanente Journal, 24:19-61. 6. Ivanova, M.V., Dronkers, N.F. (2022). APHASIA: HOW OUR LANGUAGE SYSTEM CAN “BREAK”. Frontiers for Young Minds, 10:626477.