[Development of aphasic symptomatology with age. Discussion apropos of an anatomo-clinical case]

Clinical data suggesting that aphasic semeiology undergo some evolution with age are summarized. Three kinds of hypotheses may account for this evolution: (1) a possible evolution with age of the site and extent of ischaemic lesions: (2) an evolution according to age of brain functional organization for language; and (3) evolution with age of psychological and/or social aspects of individuals in whom aphasia occurs. These hypotheses are discussed in the light of a clinico-pathological case of Wernicke's aphasia with logorrheic jargon due to an infarct involving both anterior and posterior parts of the left cortical speech area. This observation does not support the first set of hypotheses implying the lesion's site. On the other hand, as regards the second hypothesis, it is conceivable that the most instrumental features of speech functional organization may undergo a progressive subcorticalization process with age so that it possibly accounts for some age specificity in aphasic semeiology. Finally, the last set of hypotheses--individual's psychological and/or social aspects--although untested here, is thought to be also of some relevance.