The cause
STROKE & aphasia Awareness
Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the United States suffer a stroke. That’s one person every 40 seconds.
One of the major manifestations of stroke is the difficulty communicating with speech called aphasia, which affects over one million Americans.
In 2018, Ted founded Speech Recovery Pathways, a non-profit whose mission is to support the ongoing need for adults with stroke or brain injury to have regular access to meaningful communication practice and opportunities to reintegrate into the community; to provide ongoing communication practice, build confidence and get survivors connected.
“I wanted a safe environment that would encourage individuals who are practicing speech. This will provide them a safe plaform to practice with a solid, support system to offer help along the way.”
—Ted W. Baxter
Ted is committed to supporting organizations that assist with the prevention of and recovery from stroke and aphasia. If you’d like to get involved, please consider donating your time or dollars to Speech Recovery Pathways or these organizations.
What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate. It results from damage to the parts of the brain that control language expression and comprehension. While often associated with older adults, aphasia can impact people of any age, including younger individuals, demonstrating that a stroke or brain injury can happen to anyone. Aphasia is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of brain damage. It impairs the ability to speak, understand speech, read, and write. It is crucial to understand that aphasia does not affect intelligence. Individuals with aphasia retain their cognitive abilities, though they may struggle to express their thoughts and ideas.
Causes of Aphasia
The most common cause of aphasia is a stroke, particularly an ischemic stroke (see below) affecting the dominant hemisphere of the brain (typically the left side). However, other conditions can also lead to aphasia, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Head injuries can cause damage to language centers.
- Brain Tumors: Growths in the brain can disrupt normal brain function.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia can cause a gradual onset of language difficulties, known as Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).
- Infections: Certain brain infections can lead to aphasia.
The Number One CAuse of aphasia is Stroke
Ted’s aphasia was caused by an ischemic stroke.
Understanding Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks an artery, cutting off vital blood flow to the brain. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells quickly begin to fail. This is why it’s incredibly important to BE FAST when you suspect a stroke, as even a blockage lasting just a few minutes can lead to permanent disabilities.
BE FAST
B – Balance or Walking Issues
Sudden difficulty with balance or walking
E – Eye or Vision changes
Sudden loss of vision or double vision
BE FAST
B – Balance Issues
Sudden difficulty with balance or walking
E – Eye or Vision changes
Sudden loss of vision or double vision
BE FAST
F – facial drooping
Look for drooping or assymetry of the face, mouth, eyes.
A – arm weakness
Note sudden arm numbness or weakness.
S- speech changes
Speech may become slurred or unintelligible.
T- time to call
Call 911!
If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately!
Ischemic strokes account for over 80% of all strokes and are categorized into two main types:
- Embolic Stroke: This occurs when a blood clot forms elsewhere in the body and travels through the bloodstream to an artery in the brain, where it then causes a blockage.
- Thrombotic Stroke: This type happens when a blood clot develops directly within an artery inside the brain, obstructing blood flow at that site.
Aphasia Resources
Diagnosing and Treating Aphasia
Resources From Ted
If you, or someone you love, has suffered a stroke or currently have aphasia, please refer and download the samples of therapy exercises that aided Ted in his recovery.
Is your book club, support group, or family reading Relentless? Download these questions for discussion and author Q&A to help facilitate conversation.
Diagnosing Aphasia
A healthcare professional, often a neurologist or speech-language pathologist, will conduct a thorough evaluation to diagnose aphasia. This typically involves:
-
- Neurological Examination
- Speech-Language Evaluation
- Brain Imaging
Treating Aphasia
While there is currently no “cure” for aphasia in the sense of a single medication, significant recovery and improvement are possible through various therapies and strategies.
- Speech-Language Therapy: This is a cornerstone of aphasia treatment. A speech-language pathologist helps regain language skills, learn strategies to compensate for weaknesses, and find alternative communication methods. Therapy can be effective even years after the initial brain injury.
- Support Groups: Participating in support groups with other individuals with aphasia can provide a sense of community, reduce isolation, and offer opportunities to practice communication in a supportive environment. This is why Ted Baxter founded the nonprofit organization, Speech Recovery Pathways, so even those who can’t commute to specialized faciliies are able to participate in support group sessions.
- Assistive Communication Devices: Low-tech and high-tech tools, such as communication boards, apps, and text-to-speech devices, can aid communication.
Aphasia Quick Facts
Aphasia Does Not Effect Intelligence
Aphasia is a communication disorder, not a loss of intelligence.
Aphasia Can Affect More Than Speech
It affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, and write.
Stroke is not the Only Cause of Aphasia
Traumatic brain injury, tumors, & neurodegenerative diseases can be causes.
There are Millions of People Impacted
Approximately 2 million people in the United States are living with aphasia.
A Third of Stroke Victims Have Aphasia
Around one-third of strokes result in aphasia each year.
Speech Therapy is Essential to Recovery
There is no “cure,” but individuals can make significant progress with help.
Aphasia Can Occur at Any Age
Aphasia can occur at any age, not just in older adults. Most people who have aphasia are middle-aged or older, but anyone can develop it, including young children. Ted Baxter, author of Relentless: How a Massive Stroke Changed My Life for the Better, was just forty-two years old when he has a life-changing stroke that left him with aphasia.
additional Aphasia RESOURCES
