3) Information Flashcards
(5 cards)
What’s the definition of aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain, typically the left hemisphere, affecting a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write.
It does not affect intelligence, and severity depends on the location and extent of the brain injury.
What is the case of “Tan”
Case study of a man who could only say the word “Tan”, though he could understand language.
After his death, Broca found damage to the left frontal lobe (now called Broca’s area).
This case provided early evidence that language production is localised in the left hemisphere. - Paul Broca (1865)
What is the dual process hypothesis?
Suggests that language processing involves two separate but interacting systems:
A fast, automatic system (often intact in aphasia), and
A slower, effortful, strategic system (often impaired in aphasia).
Explains why people with aphasia may perform better on automatic tasks (like repetition) but struggle with complex or novel language use.
What is Berthier et al. (2013) do?
Investigated biological intervention for aphasia using donepezil (a cholinesterase inhibitor).
Combined drug treatment with sentence repetition therapy in people with aphasia.
Found significant improvements in language function and sentence repetition, suggesting that donepezil can enhance the effects of speech therapy.
What is melodic internation therapy?
A therapy that uses melody and rhythm to help people with non-fluent aphasia (e.g., Broca’s aphasia) improve speech.
Engages right hemisphere regions to compensate for damaged left hemisphere language areas.
Schlaug et al. (2009) showed that MIT led to improved speech output and neural changes, supporting its effectiveness as a rehabilitation tool. - Schlaug et al., 2009)
