June is Aphasia Awareness Month

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, allowing us to express our thoughts, emotions, and needs. However, for individuals living with aphasia, this essential means of connection can become a significant challenge. 

In recognition of this condition and the need to raise awareness, June is designated as Aphasia Awareness Month. As a manufacturer of wireless vital sign monitors for hospitals, we believe it is crucial to shed light on aphasia and promote understanding and support for those affected. Join us as we explore the significance of Aphasia Awareness Month and the steps we can take to amplify voices and foster communication.

History of Aphasia Awareness Month

Back in the early ages, language disorders were not usually classified into types, and their relation to the brain was also not recorded. Aside from one early exception in Ancient Egypt, most language disorder prognoses did not mention the underlying causes.

Over time, scholars attempted to explain language disorders in relation to mental processes, and this research picked up speed after two neuroscientists researched aspects of aphasia. However, at this time, the research only focused on recognizing and reproducing words, and the entire linguistic principles were ignored. Aphasia briefly took on a clinical role, used only to classify patients with language disorders. The fact that wounds on the brain could and do cause aphasia was only learned much later after extensive research and trials were conducted on this subject.

National Aphasia Association came into existence to help individuals with aphasia communicate and have a better quality of life.

Understanding Aphasia

Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the language areas of the brain, often resulting from stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions. It affects a person's ability to express and understand spoken and written language, making it challenging to communicate effectively. Aphasia can manifest in different forms, with varying degrees of severity, including difficulty finding words, forming sentences, reading, writing, and comprehending conversation.

Aphasia: By the Numbers

According to the National Aphasia Association (NAA):

• More people have aphasia than have many other common conditions, including cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or muscular dystrophy.
• Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability.
• Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the USA and Great Britain, after heart disease and cancer.
• About 5,000,000 people survived strokes in the USA.
• About 750,000 strokes occur each year in the USA.
• About 1 third (225,000) of strokes result in aphasia.
• There are at least 2,000,000 people in the USA with aphasia.
• There are at least 250,000 people in Great Britain with aphasia.

And according to NAA’s 2022 National Survey on Aphasia Awareness:

• 84.5% of people have never heard the term “Aphasia.”
• 8.8% of people have heard of aphasia and can identify it as a language disorder.
• 34.7% of people that are “aphasia aware” either have aphasia or know someone that does.
• 31% of people agree or give a neutral response to the statement: “If a person has difficulties with speech, they also have intellectual deficiencies.”
• 84.1% of people make a connection between stroke and brain injury and difficulties with communication.
• 15.3% of people recall first hearing about aphasia from newspapers, magazines or online publications.

The Impact of Aphasia

Living with aphasia can have a profound impact on individuals' lives, as well as their families and caregivers. The loss or impairment of verbal communication can lead to frustration, isolation, and feelings of social withdrawal. Basic tasks, such as ordering a meal, making a phone call, or participating in everyday conversations, can become daunting. These challenges may often result in a decline in quality of life if proper support and resources are not available.

Promoting Aphasia Awareness

Aphasia Awareness Month provides a platform to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the condition's impact and the importance of providing comprehensive support. By increasing awareness, we can reduce the stigma associated with aphasia and promote inclusivity and empathy within our communities. Here are some ways we can actively participate:

Education and Information

Share informative content about aphasia on your website, social media platforms, and within your healthcare network. Help dispel misconceptions and provide accurate information about the condition.

Fundraising and Support

Collaborate with local organizations that focus on aphasia and contribute to their fundraising efforts. Support their initiatives, such as therapy programs, communication aids, and support groups.

Community Engagement

Organize events, workshops, or webinars to engage the community and raise awareness about aphasia. Encourage open dialogue, share personal stories, and invite individuals with aphasia to speak about their experiences.

Collaboration with Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

Work closely with SLPs to develop tools and resources that facilitate effective communication for individuals with aphasia. Explore innovative technologies, such as wireless vital sign monitors, that can support their treatment and recovery.

By raising awareness about aphasia, we can break down barriers, reduce stigma, and create a more inclusive society. Education, fundraising, community engagement, and collaboration with speech-language pathologists are vital steps in creating a supportive environment for individuals with aphasia.

Furthermore, our wireless vital sign monitors play a crucial role in enhancing communication and healthcare for individuals with aphasia. By providing non-invasive monitoring and accurate real-time data, these devices enable healthcare professionals to deliver personalized care and make informed decisions without adding additional stress to patients. They also empower individuals with aphasia by offering a streamlined and accessible means of gathering vital health information.

Let us use this Aphasia Awareness Month as an opportunity to amplify voices, foster communication, and work towards a society where individuals with aphasia receive the support, understanding, and resources they deserve. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by aphasia and create a more inclusive and compassionate world.