Over half of adults have by no means heard of aphasia – which impacts stroke survivors

More than half of adults have by no means heard of aphasia – regardless of it affecting greater than a 3rd of stroke survivors. Aphasia is a language and communication dysfunction, with stroke being the largest trigger – having a profound impact on somebody’s skill to talk, learn, write, and/or use numbers.

With 1.3 million stroke survivors within the UK, this implies 350,000 expertise aphasia after their stroke.

However, a ballot of two,000 adults discovered 54 p.c have by no means heard of it, whereas half of those that are conscious are unclear as to what it truly is.

It additionally emerged 72 p.c of adults wouldn’t really feel assured in recognising the consequences of aphasia.

And even of those that felt they might, 60 p.c had been unable to identify one of the frequent signs.

Juliet Bouverie OBE, chief govt of the Stroke Association, which has additionally produced a documentary, “When the Words Away Went”, mentioned: “Aphasia is very common, affecting over a third of stroke survivors.

“So, it’s disheartening to see such low awareness and knowledge of aphasia among the general public.

“Most of us can’t imagine living with aphasia, but it makes everyday tasks like getting on the bus or talking to a friend daunting – made worse by misconceptions that people with aphasia lack intelligence.

“This can often lead to anxiety and depression, feeling excluded from society, and difficulties with personal relationships.”

The analysis additionally discovered 71 p.c of adults suppose with the ability to converse or talk properly is an indication of mind – which may trigger large boundaries for these with aphasia.

And 20 p.c admit that in the event that they met somebody who had issues speaking, they might assume that particular person had a studying issue.

Meanwhile, 28 p.c owned as much as judging individuals too shortly in the event that they discover they’re struggling to speak.

And simply 4 p.c really feel very assured in speaking with somebody who had aphasia.

Other misconceptions round aphasia embrace 22 p.c believing aphasia solely impacts somebody’s skill to speak, whereas one in 10 mistakenly suppose the dysfunction can’t enhance.

However, 73 p.c mentioned they might really feel deep frustration in the event that they discovered it laborious to grasp written or spoken language, converse, learn, or write letters and numbers.

More than half (54 p.c) would really feel remoted, 43 p.c embarrassed, and 38 p.c would think about it a lack of their identification.

To increase additional consciousness of aphasia, 51 p.c of these polled, by way of OnePoll, wish to see it publicised extra within the news, whereas 37 p.c suppose affected celebrities speaking about it may increase its profile.

Juliet Bouverie, from the Stroke Association, added: “We want to encourage everyone to watch our new documentary, featuring stories from three inspiring stroke survivors impacted by aphasia, so the public can better understand the condition and become an ally to those affected.

“Together, we can help make the lives of those living with aphasia a little bit easier, and provide support and an important reminder that there is hope.

“Aphasia can and does improve, and with the right help people with aphasia can live normal lives.”