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Health A to Z: Aphasia

Aphasia is a condition that affects how you communicate. It can make it hard to speak, understand others, read, write and use numbers. Find out about the symptoms, treatment and what causes it.

Aphasia causes problems with communication including speaking, understanding others, reading and writing.

It affects people in different ways, but symptoms may include:

  • not being able to say the right words , speaking very slowly or with long pauses
  • finding it very difficult to speak, or speaking in very short or incomplete sentences
  • repeating, mixing up or missing out words
  • making up words or sounds
  • not being able to understand what other people are saying, particularly if you cannot see them
  • difficulty reading or writing

Aphasia is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that deal with language. Common causes include:

  • stroke – this is the most common cause of aphasia
  • severe head injury
  • a brain tumour, or bleeding or an infection in the brain
  • conditions that cause the brain to become damaged over time, like dementia, or alcohol or drug-related brain damage

Anyone can get aphasia, but it's more common in people over 65. This is because the risk of stroke and conditions like dementia is higher for older people.

There are different types of aphasia depending on which part of your brain has been affected.

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Call 999 if:

You or someone you're with suddenly has:

  • face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall) and it might be hard to smile
  • weakness or numbness in one arm or down one side of your body – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there
  • speech problems – you may slur your words, sound confused, or find it difficult to speak or find the right words
  • blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes

These can be signs of a stroke, which needs to be treated immediately.

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Aphasia is treated with speech and language therapy.

A speech and language therapist can assess your symptoms and work with you to improve your speaking, reading and writing. They can help you to find different ways to communicate.

Treatment depends on your symptoms but can include:

  • matching words to pictures
  • categorising or sorting words
  • repeating words or rhyming tasks
  • practising ways of communicating without words, like drawing, body language, hand movements and facial expressions
  • using technology – for example, setting your phone to be voice-activated or taking pictures of things you struggle to name
  • recommending speech and language therapy apps or computer programs to help you practise

Speech and language therapy may be done individually, in a group, face to face or online.

It also usually involves the people around you, like your family or friends, and anyone who may help care for you.

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There is currently no cure for aphasia. How much it affects your life varies from person to person, and depends on the cause and amount of damage to the brain.

It can be very frustrating, confusing and difficult if you or someone you know has aphasia. It can affect people's relationships and independence in daily life, and cause anxiety, low mood and depression, loneliness or isolation.

Talking therapies and support from your care team can help with these problems.

If aphasia was caused by a stroke, head injury or brain tumour, most people improve with treatment, especially in the first few months. People can still improve months or years later, and some do recover fully.

If aphasia is caused by a condition that gets worse over time, like dementia, the symptoms are likely to get worse. Treatment may focus on learning and practising other ways of communicating, like drawing, body language or using technology.

Speech and language therapy should help, and there are things you and others can do to help manage aphasia.

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Aphasia can be a difficult condition to live with, practically and emotionally.

As well as support from your doctor and speech and language therapist, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with aphasia, either at a local group or online.

There are also national charities that can offer support and information about aphasia.

Stroke Association

Information, support and resources for anyone affected by aphasia after a stroke.

Say Aphasia

In-person and online support groups, as well as other information and resources, for anyone affected by aphasia.

Aphasia Reconnect

Online and in-person support groups and buddying for people with aphasia.

The Brain Charity

Information, and practical and emotional support for people affected by aphasia.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Page last reviewed: 03/04/2025