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Question: My 83 yr.-old mother suffered a series of mini strokes in 2003, and was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia. She used to be extremely active sewing, biking, swimming, playing cards, and has many friend. As we saw her condition worsening, my brother and I moved her from AZ to an independent living facility in IL to be near us. Over the years she has completely lost all speech, as well as her smile. She can write very little, and no longer uses email. She has an assistive communication device with pictures and sound, but that seems too difficult for her now as well. We have noticed a turn for the worse over the last few months--she used to write appointments in her calendar, and the last three months the calendar has been blank and she forgets doctor appts. When we come to visit she is lying in bed, shades drawn, in the middle of the day. She seems to be disoriented/confused at times. One day last week she left her room with just her underwear on. This is a lady who always wore matching outfits and hair was just right. When we ask simple questions we usually do not get a response. Before she would shake her head and try to write out what she needed. Looks like she does not change for bed. Sleeps in the same clothes she had on all day. We are at a loss as to what the next step is. We realize she needs someone to help bathe her and possibly take her down for meals, but this will not stop her from leaving her room at any point, walking around not fully dressed. She is the sweetest lady, and never shows any frustration--If only her big blue eyes could talk. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
Answer: Dear Sue, If you are located near Chicago, Northwestern University has a program specializing in Primary Progressive Aphasia which offers help to patients and their families. Here is the link: c-wieneke@northwestern.edu. Even if you are not near Chicago this program can direct you to a lot of useful information. An experienced speech-language pathologist near where you and your mother live could evaluate your mother and make suggestions about ways that she might communicate. Unforunately, Progressive Aphasia does tend to lead to a decline in language ability, but you and your mother could well be helped by professional advice. Please write again if I can provide further information. Margaret Forbes Read more. |
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News Highlights
JUNE IS NATIONAL APHASIA AWARENESS MONTH! -
Read More .
Aphasia Therapy in the New Millenium -
by The National Aphasia Association .
JOIN A STUDY IN 2009! -
THE NEUROLOGY DEPARTMENT AT UPENN IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR A STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TMS IN IMPROVING SYMPTOMS OF APHASIA AFTER STROKE. Read More
Lingraphica introduces the SmallTalk Mobile Accessory for Aphasia -
Read More .
NEW STUDY! NEED VOLUNTEERS! -
THE NEUROLOGY DEPARTMENT AT UPENN IS LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR A STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TMS IN IMPROVING SYMPTOMS OF APHASIA AFTER STROKE. Read More .
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Who are we?
Aphasia Hope Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation that has a two-fold mission: (1) to promote research into the prevention and cure of aphasia and (2) to ensure that all survivors of aphasia and their caregivers are aware of and have access to the best possible treatments available.
The information on this site is not authoritative medical advice or treatment methods as this should be discussed in consultation with your own doctor. AHF simply provides insightful tips for living with aphasia and shares personal experiences of aphasia survivors.
If you would like to read other or post your own comments and questions submitted by survivors, caregivers, and others, then click here.
Click here to learn how to benefit from the web site and related tools.
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| What is aphasia? |
| Aphasia is a speech/language disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate. It is most commonly the result of a stroke but can occur from any severe head injury. Learn more. |
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ROBERTA J. ELMAN, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BC-ANCDS
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