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What is aphasia? -

Aphasia is a condition that impacts communication abilities, both verbally and in writing. It can hinder one's capacity to express, comprehend, and understand language, affecting both expression and comprehension. 

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How does it occur? -

Aphasia commonly develops after a stroke or head injury, but it can also develop gradually due to degenerative conditions like a slow-growing brain tumor or diseases such as Alzheimer's.

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How severe is it? -

The extent of aphasia generally varies depending on various factors, such as the amount of brain damage suffered by the patient.

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What are the indications? -

A person with aphasia may experience difficulties in finishing sentences, or they may verbalize sentences that lack coherence. They may also struggle with word recall, substitute words, and even utilize unfamiliar vocabulary.

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What are the indications? -

People with aphasia may have difficulty comprehending conversations and producing coherent written sentences.

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Different patterns -

Patients can exhibit various strengths and weaknesses that fall into distinct categories: expressive aphasia, comprehensive aphasia, and global aphasia.

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Language loss -

This pattern, also called Broca's or nonfluent aphasia, is characterized by patients who can comprehend others but struggle to express themselves. It may be accompanied by indications of right-sided paralysis or weakness.

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Comprehensive aphasia -

Also called fluent or Wernicke's aphasia, individuals with this condition may express themselves through lengthy, intricate sentences. Their choice of words might be nonsensical, and they commonly struggle to comprehend spoken communication. Additionally, patients may be unaware that others are unable to grasp their speech.

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Global aphasia -

Global aphasia is the most severe form of aphasia, causing significant challenges in both understanding and communicating. Individuals with global aphasia typically experience extensive damage to the brain's language networks.

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How is it treated? -

Firstly, it is important to identify and address the underlying cause, such as a stroke or brain tumor. Following that, the typical treatment approach typically involves a combination of speech and language therapy.

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Treatment options -

Impairment-focused therapies are frequently employed to enhance language abilities, comprising of encouraging listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiencies.

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Impairment-based therapies -

Impairment-based therapies include constraint-induced therapy (CIT), melodic intonation therapy (MIT), and telerehabilitation.

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Communication-based therapies -

Communication-based therapies, also known as consequence-based therapies, are utilized to treat individuals with aphasia. The objective is to enhance communication skills and involve caregivers, including family members, in the treatment. Typically, these therapies encompass real-life scenarios for effective interaction.

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Communication-based methods -

Communication-based methods include PACE therapy, conversational coaching, and supported conversation for individuals with aphasia.

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Bruce Willis: a case study -

The famous movie star has retired due to a diagnosis of aphasia, ending his acting career.

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Diagnosis -

The news was shared on Instagram by Rumer Willis, actress and eldest daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore. Rumer's post stated, "To those who have supported Bruce, we wanted to let you know that our beloved Bruce has been facing health challenges and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which has affected his cognitive abilities. Therefore, after much thought, Bruce has decided to take a step back from the career that has been incredibly meaningful to him."

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Dementia -

"Our family is going through a difficult time and we are extremely grateful for the love, empathy, and encouragement we have received. We are staying strong as a family and wanted to involve his fans in this journey because we understand how much he means to you, just as he does to us. As Bruce always says, 'Live it up,' and that is exactly what we intend to do together," expressed Rumer Willis. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which is commonly associated with aphasia.

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Sharon Stone -

Sharon Stone experienced a brain aneurysm in 2001, similar to that suffered by Bruce Willis. The ailment impaired Stone's reading and speaking skills, causing her to acquire a stutter and rendering her unable to read for a span of two years.

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Sharon Stone -

"I have developed a higher level of emotional intelligence," stated Stone. "I made a conscious effort to expand my mindset and it has made me a stronger person. I have also become more direct in my communication. Although this may intimidate others, I believe it is not my concern. It's like having a brain injury; others will simply have to cope with it."

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Emilia Clarke -

In 2011 the actress from 'Game of Thrones' experienced a rare stroke while exercising known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage. 

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Emilia Clarke -

After the accident, the English actress struggled to recall her own name. Clarke revealed that "instead of saying my name, I mumbled incoherent words and felt a rush of overwhelming terror—a profound feeling of impending disaster."

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Randy Travis -

The country singer had a stroke in 2013, greatly impacting his speech and language abilities. Travis disclosed this in his memoir 'Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life,' published in 2019.

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Randy Travis -

"My brain was functioning and I comprehended what Mary [Travis's wife] communicated, although I couldn't formulate a complete sentence as a response. Initially, upon our return home, my ability to speak was severely impaired. It took us three months of speech therapy for me to even vocalize the letter 'A.' Over time, approximately one and a half years later, I managed to articulate simple words like 'yup,' 'nope,' and 'bathroom.' I could also express 'I love you' and a few other phrases, but my speech was limited. All of this proved extremely exasperating; I felt confined within the confines of my physical body," Travis expressed.

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Gabby Giffords -

The ex-politician was shot in the head during her initial "Congress on Your Corner" gathering in Tucson, Arizona, in January 2011. Giffords suffered significant brain damage, impairing her speech capabilities.

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Gabby Giffords -

"Aphasia is a difficult condition. The thoughts are present in my mind, but expressing them becomes a challenge. I have always enjoyed conversing and being talkative," expressed Giffords. Her ongoing progress is documented in the 2022 film 'Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down.'

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Michael Hayden -

In 2018, a stroke afflicted the four-star general who previously served as director of the CIA and the NSA.

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Michael Hayden -

Hayden expressed gratitude in 2019, stating that the stroke had not impacted his cognitive abilities and higher-level thinking. He also acknowledged his strong memory and expressed appreciation for being a participant in an aphasia study at Georgetown. Furthermore, Hayden thanked his therapists for their assistance in his progress. He expressed gratitude for the continued support from his friends and colleagues, who regularly communicate and visit him. Hayden emphasized that each conversation played a role in strengthening his recovery.

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Mark McEwen -

The former weatherman and entertainment reporter known for shows such as 'This Morning' and 'The Early Show' suffered a stroke in 2005. After a long recovery, McEwen became a stroke awareness activist. He wrote on his website that singing helped him recover.

See also: Celebs who struggle with lyme disease

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