Exploring Language Recovery Pattern in Persons with Aphasia Across Acute and Sub-Acute Stages.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Speech and Language Pathology

Background:

• Aphasia recovery is complex, involving linguistic and non-linguistic aspects.
• Understanding early language recovery patterns in persons with aphasia (PWAs) is vital for research and treatment.
• Early intervention strategies can significantly impact functional communication and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pattern of language recovery in persons with aphasia (PWAs) during the acute and sub-acute post-stroke phases.
• To assess changes in language abilities, including auditory verbal comprehension and overall language quotient (LQ).
• To identify correlations between different language components during early recovery.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 11 persons with aphasia (PWAs) aged 40-80 were recruited.
• Participants underwent assessment using the Western Aphasia Battery-Kannada (WAB-K) in two phases: acute (within 1 week) and sub-acute (7-15 days post-stroke).
• Statistical analysis, including correlation, was used to evaluate language scores.

Main Results:

• Auditory verbal comprehension scores were notably pronounced in both acute and sub-acute recovery stages.
• Language quotient (LQ) scores were higher in the sub-acute stage compared to the acute stage, though not statistically significant.
• Strong positive correlations were found between LQ and spontaneous speech, repetition, and naming, with moderate correlations for auditory verbal comprehension.

Conclusions:

• Early improvements in auditory verbal comprehension are evident in persons with aphasia (PWAs).
• Targeted therapeutic interventions focusing on auditory verbal comprehension in the early stages are crucial for enhancing overall language recovery.
• The findings underscore the importance of early and focused rehabilitation for persons with aphasia (PWAs).