Broca’s aphasia, also known as non-fluent aphasia, is a condition in which expressive language (written or spoken) is impaired. The problem results from brain cells’ death in the part, specifically the Brocas area, which is responsible for language (Li et al., 2018). Stoppage or diminishing of oxygen and blood supply to the brain cells causes their damage and renders dysfunction of the cerebral cortex. Some of the common conditions associated with Broca’s aphasia include stroke, brain injury, tumors, and brain infections such as meningitis.
Affected patients can comprehend information but develop difficulties in communicating what they think. Disturbance in the coordination of impulses between the brain and the muscles responsible for communication results in inabilities to form grammatical and complete sentences. The individuals cannot incorporate some prepositions and linking words in their language (Clough & Gordon, 2020). In addition, there are marked problems in repeating said phrases or words and articulating sounds and words. Consequently, transferring verbal communication into written communication is hindered.
There are many Formal Speech and Language Test tools for assessing and diagnosing the disorder, but the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination 3 (BDAE-3) test is the most appropriate. The norm-referenced test is recommended for adults between the ages of 18 and 79 years, therefore accommodating the most significant population in our society today. The tool can be used to test communication, visuospatial, and quantitative skills. Some of the areas that are assessed include reading, writing, speech, naming, fluency, and comprehension. Studies have identified BDAE-3 as the best test for diagnosing aphasia after brain injuries, which is the most common cause of Broca’s aphasia (Gordon, 2020). Head trauma accounts for a large percentage of patients diagnosed with Broca’s aphasia.
Broca’s aphasia impairs speech and language in patients, affecting their communication life. Evidence from the research can be used to develop treatment therapies for its management. The following section will summarize a study conducted by Pallavi et al. (2018) to determine the effects of communication difficulties. The article aimed to compare the Quality of Communication Life (QCL) between patients suffering from Broca’s aphasia and normal individuals. Twenty-four native speakers of Tamil were selected to participate in the research. The sample size consisted of 12 patients suffering from Broca’s aphasia selected from various hospitals in Chennai, India, and 12 normal individuals. The study was conducted in two stages that involved using the QCL scale.
The research procedure involved the administration of the Tamil version of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s QCL scale, which was in the form of a questionnaire after informed consent. The scoring process followed the completion of data collection, and the data were subjected to the analysis process. There were separate records of the clinical participants’ scores and the normal individuals. The mean and standard deviation of the scores was calculated, and Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the data from the two groups.
The results indicated significant differences between the patients and the healthy individuals at p<0.05. For instance, participants from the normal group had no communication difficulties, were better at socialization, and had more confidence. The researchers concluded that self-reported information concerning the effects of communication challenges in aphasia patients is critical for healthcare providers. The data is vital in developing and evaluating programs to eliminate speech and language problems.
References
Al-Shdifat, K. G., Sarsak, J., & Ghareeb, F. A. (2018). Exploring the efficacy of melodic intonation therapy with Broca’s aphasia in Arabic. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 65(1), 1-8. Web.
Clough, S., & Gordon, J. K. (2020). Fluent or non-fluent? Part A. Underlying contributors to categorical classifications of fluency in aphasia. Aphasiology, 34(5), 515-539. Web.
Gordon, J. K. (2020). Factor analysis of spontaneous speech in aphasia. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 63(12), 4127-4147. Web.
Li, T., Cui, J., Yuan, L., Yu, X., & Zhou, X. (2021). Common neural circuit for semantic-based articulation of numbers and words: A case study of a patient with Broca’s aphasia. Journal of Neurolinguistics, 58, 100969. Web.
Pallavi, J., Perumal, R. C., & Krupa, M. (2018). Quality of communication life in individuals with Broca’s aphasia and normal individuals: A comparative study. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 21(4), 285. Web.