Aphasia, in plain words

This page uses short sentences and big type. Take as long as you like. Nothing here disappears.

1. What is aphasia?

The word is said like this: uh-FAY-zhuh.

Aphasia is common after a stroke.

Aphasia is not rare. Aphasia is just not well known.

2. Aphasia is not a thinking problem

This is the most important part of this page.

Aphasia damages language.

Aphasia does not damage intelligence.

Aphasia does not damage memory of a whole life.

Aphasia does not change who a person is.

Many people with aphasia understand nearly every word.

The words just will not come back out.

3. What causes aphasia

Aphasia has four main causes.

1. Stroke. A stroke is the most common cause.
2. Head injury. A blow to the head can cause aphasia.
3. Brain tumour. A tumour or brain surgery can cause aphasia.
4. Primary progressive aphasia. Language fades slowly over years.

Aphasia is not caused by the ears.

Aphasia is not caused by the mouth.

Aphasia starts in the brain.

4. How many people have aphasia

These numbers are from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

• Between 2 and 4 million people in the United States live with aphasia.
• Between 100,000 and 180,000 people get aphasia each year.
• Between one quarter and one half of strokes cause aphasia.

So you are not alone. Not close to alone.

5. Kinds of aphasia

Doctors use many names. Here are the three big patterns.

Many people do not fit one pattern exactly.

That is normal.

6. Aphasia and reading

Aphasia often affects reading too.

Reading and listening are not the same skill.

One can be much better than the other.

Long lines of text are the hardest.

This helps:

• Big type.
• Short lines.
• One idea per line.
• Plenty of white space.
• Bold for the important word.
• No block capitals.

That is why this page looks like this.

7. How to talk to a person with aphasia

Ten things that help. Try one at a time.

1. Talk to the person. Not to the family member beside the person.
2. Use short sentences. About five words works well.
3. Say one idea at a time. Then pause.
4. Write the key word down. Big letters. On paper.
5. Ask yes and no questions. One question at a time.
6. Wait. Then wait longer. Thirty seconds is fine.
7. Use your hands. Point at real things.
8. Offer a written choice. Write two words. Let the person point.
9. Check you understood. Say it back. Ask: did I get that right?
10. Keep your normal adult voice. Do not shout. Do not use a baby voice.

8. Tools that help

Start with the free tools. Free tools work well.

9. Apps for adults with aphasia

Many apps for talking are made for children.

Adults notice. Adults hate that.

Look for an app with these things:

1. Big text. Big buttons.
2. Words, not cartoon pictures.
3. Saved phrases you tap once.
4. Works with the internet off.
5. Free, or one payment. No monthly bill.
6. An adult voice you like.
7. Ready to use in five minutes.

Here are four real apps for adults. Prices are from 2 August 2026.

10. Does aphasia get better?

Aphasia after a stroke often gets better.

The first few months change the most.

But people keep improving for years.

Progress is slow. Progress is real.

Primary progressive aphasia is different.

Primary progressive aphasia gets worse slowly.

A speech-language pathologist can explain your own case.

Using an app does not stop recovery.

Talking more helps. Any way of talking counts.

11. Where to get help

• National Aphasia Association. United States. Support groups and free printed cards.
• Aphasia Institute. Canada. Free tools for talking together.
• Stroke Association guidelines. United Kingdom. How to write for aphasia.
• ASHA aphasia page. The clinical facts on this page come from here.
• Our guide for families. What to do in the first week.