Communication disability caused by aphasia．

-The speech-language-hearing therapy and environmental manipulation-

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Aphasia refers to impairment in the language faculty, which is related to speech expression and comprehension, caused by damage to the language center in the cerebrum, and has a major effect on communication ability. Communication ability involves a variety of functions, besides language, such as pragmatic ability, compensatory transfer ability, and general cognitive function; speech- language-hearing therapy is administered in aphasia to improve communication ability by using such other abilities. This review article is a general outline of the characteristics of communication disability caused by aphasia, and of the speech-language-hearing therapy implemented in the recovery period related to communication ability. It also describes the causes of aphasia communication disability, manipulation required to the linguistic environment, and challenges for the future based on recent surveys of discharged patients, and on a study of chronological research in the area.