Acquired Language Deficits Associated with Aphasia and Related Disorders

Abstract

This chapter starts with a brief historical review of aphasia and its research. This is followed by an overview of the basic concepts and operational definitions of aphasia and its related disorders, including traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere damage, and dementia. The causes, prevalence, and salient clinical features across subtypes or stages of these disorders are also summarized. More specifically, the language symptoms and impairments at the discourse level found in speakers of each of these disorders are individually discussed, with illustrations using language samples elicited from real clients. Finally, standardized batteries, informal tests, as well as other common clinical procedures or tasks to assess each of these disorders are described, with a highlight of relevant considerations of the corresponding discourse-level deficits. Sample case history forms or intake questionnaires for use with aphasia, brain injury, and dementia are given at the end of this chapter.