If you haven’t heard of Wernicke’s aphasia, it’s a type of aphasia in which the person speaks in a normal rhythm, but words may be nonsense or not make sense together. Since someone with Wernicke’s aphasia doesn’t typically have physical deficits from the stroke, listeners may think the speaker is mentally ill or developmentally disabled. If your job before having Wernicke’s aphasia relied upon your public-speaking abilities, being unable to communicate in real words can be devastating.
With a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, Mr. Middlebrook was a passionate pastor and inspirational author. Wernicke’s aphasia affected his ability to deliver sermons, teach, talk with his family, and attend his favorite ministry outreach projects. He wanted to help other families with aphasia, so he and his wife, Mollie, worked together to put his thoughts into words.
You can read more about his story at http://goo.gl/YRQ8q.
Advice to People with Aphasia
- Keep as positive as possible because it is very difficult. Keep going.
- Keep trying as long as possible.
- Believe you are capable. An obvious thing–it is so difficult and yet you must work.
- Keep working step-by-step forward. One might quit trying because it is so discouraging.
- Do physical exercise. You will improve your overall health, including speech. And rest. Get plenty of rest.
- In part, be useful to other people—including your spouse and therapists. Let others help.
- In part, be useful to other people—including your spouse and therapists. Let others help.
- Get therapy from all people who know. Get therapy early and keep getting it even at home, too. Require people with aphasia to work hard.
- Turn this tragedy into an opportunity.
