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2 great ways to help those with speech difficulties after stroke

What is Aphasia?

download 1 - 2 great ways to help those with speech difficulties after stroke - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to FaceAphasia is more common than you might think.

  • every five minutes someone in the UK has a stroke.
  • there are approximately 152,000 strokes in the UK every year.

About a third of these people will have Aphasia. Aphasia is a communication disorder that can affect a person’s ability to speak, to understand speech, and to read and write. It can occur after a neurological injury, such as stroke. Aphasia is mainly treated by speech and language therapy.

Aphasia research is ongoing; studies include revealing underlying problems of brain tissue damage, the links between comprehension and expression, rehabilitation methods, drug therapy, speech therapy, and other ways to understand and treat aspects of aphasia.

But currently very little information can be given to people with aphasia about whether their language will get better, and how long this might take.

cathy price - 2 great ways to help those with speech difficulties after stroke - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to FaceThe PLORAS research study aims to improve our understanding of how language works in the brain. Their goal for the future is to be able to give people with aphasia, their families and healthcare professionals a prediction about:

  • How much language the person is likely to re-gain.
  • How long this is likely to take.

So, the two ways to help stroke patients with aphasia?

  1. STROKE SURVIVORS WITH APHASIA – come for an MRI brain scan

The PLORAS study is carried out by conducting structural and functional MRI scans with people who have had a stroke, and by carrying out a language test. Both people with and without communication problems are included. This information is analysed together with information about time post-stroke, to look for patterns in recovery.

2018 06 26 15 29 40 - 2 great ways to help those with speech difficulties after stroke - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to FaceUpdates on the progress of their research can be found on their website,

or by downloading their latest newsletter.

Please get involved!!

Opportunity for non-stroke survivors to get involved!

 

2. EVEN IF YOU HAVEN’T HAD A STROKE, please come for an MRI Brain Scan.

Currently the PLORAS team is ALSO inviting people who have NOT had a stroke to have an MRI brain scan at their centre. Please help the team…

This is because they need some participants to act as ‘healthy controls’ to help them adjust their lesion identification software.

If you think that you might be interested, please get in touch by emailing ploras@ucl.ac.uk, or by calling 020 7813 1538. The team will need to ask some questions about your medical history in order to meet the strict safety criteria at their Centre.

The PLORAS research study is based at the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging and is led by Professor Cathy Price.

Below is a talk given by Professor Cathy Price – click and play!

PLORAS would like to thank ARNI for the support for stroke survivors

Other Support for Aphasia and Stroke:

PLORAS useful links – a list of organisations that provide information or support

Wellcome Logo 100x100 - 2 great ways to help those with speech difficulties after stroke - Stroke Rehabilitation and Exercise Training for Survivors & Specialist Stroke Courses for Therapists and Trainers, Online and Face to Face

 


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Tom Balchin

Tom Balchin, MEd, PhD, FRSB, is the Founder and Director of the ARNI Institute.

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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    2 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Although the brain is in a heightened state of plasticity immediately after stroke, neuroplasticity may be activated throughout the recovery process; whether it has been a few months or a few decades since a stroke, the brain is still capable of healing and rewiring.

    Studies have shown that the brain is changing itself throughout an entire life time. This means that recovery is continuous. Whenever you stimulate your brain with positive, consistent and repetitive stimulus, the brain will respond.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity     ... See MoreSee Less

    Although the brain is in a heightened state of plasticity immediately after stroke, neuroplasticity may be activated throughout the recovery process; whether it has been a few months or a few decades since a stroke, the brain is still capable of healing and rewiring. Studies have shown that the brain is changing itself throughout an entire life time. This means that recovery is continuous. Whenever you stimulate your brain with positive, consistent and repetitive stimulus, the brain will respond. www.arni.uk.com #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    2 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Knowledge is power.; and even more so for stroke recovery!
    In the field of stroke rehabilitation there are new advances, major and minor, emerging regularly. You need to keep as current as possible. You need to know what you need. And if you find things that seem appropriate to your needs, investigate them further to work out whether they’re suitable applications to streamline your retraining or self-management.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity     ... See MoreSee Less

    Knowledge is power.; and even more so for stroke recovery! In the field of stroke rehabilitation there are new advances, major and minor, emerging regularly. You need to keep as current as possible. You need to know what you need. And if you find things that seem appropriate to your needs, investigate them further to work out whether they’re suitable applications to streamline your retraining or self-management. www.arni.uk.com #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab #strokesurvivors #arnistrokecharity
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    3 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Tom doing sledgehammer levering work in his home gym with his homemade loadable axe-lever. Tom had this made at his local blacksmiths. This isn't something for 99.9% of stroke survivors to be doing, but there's no reason not to work your grip and wrist power as hard as possible, however possible, on your stronger and weaker sides. Type in 'weaver stick work' to Google for an example of how to do lever-bar work for wrist power.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation     ... See MoreSee Less

    Tom doing sledgehammer levering work in his home gym with his homemade loadable axe-lever. Tom had this made at his local blacksmiths. This isnt something for 99.9% of stroke survivors to be doing, but theres no reason not to work your grip and wrist power as hard as possible, however possible, on your stronger and weaker sides. Type in weaver stick work to Google for an example of how to do lever-bar work for wrist power. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    3 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Exercise: Wall squat hold

    Did you notice that this technique is called a wall-squat hold? There is a reason that you don’t attempt to turn it into a squat, and try and rub yourself up and down a wall. Such an attempt won’t work for stroke survivors, mainly because the affected foot will slip away, and you could easily be unable to slide up the wall because of the friction involved.

    This exercise is to slide down the wall and hold until near failure, then lean forward, push away from the wall and stand upright. You should not feel pain or discomfort in your knees at any time during this exercise. When you think you are coming towards the end of failure, just move to a standing position. Over time, your judgement concerning extending the failure window and successful successful completion of the set will be honed.

    Read full Techniquein The Successful Stroke Survivor book by Tom Balchin
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokerehabilitation #strokeexercise #ARNIstrokerehab #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors     ... See MoreSee Less

    Exercise: Wall squat hold Did you notice that this technique is called a wall-squat hold? There is a reason that you don’t attempt to turn it into a squat, and try and rub yourself up and down a wall. Such an attempt won’t work for stroke survivors, mainly because the affected foot will slip away, and you could easily be unable to slide up the wall because of the friction involved. This exercise is to slide down the wall and hold until near failure, then lean forward, push away from the wall and stand upright. You should not feel pain or discomfort in your knees at any time during this exercise. When you think you are coming towards the end of failure, just move to a standing position. Over time, your judgement concerning extending the failure window and successful successful completion of the set will be honed. Read full Techniquein The Successful Stroke Survivor book by Tom Balchin www.arni.uk.com #strokerehabilitation #strokeexercise #ARNIstrokerehab #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    3 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    5 Factors You Can Control in Stroke Recovery
    Neurological rehabilitation is a complex process, influenced by many factors – most of which are outside of your control. You can’t control your age, how big your stroke was, or how severe your deficits are. You have limited control over your access to skilled therapy and whether you have a solid support network of friends and family in place. While this lack of control can leave you feeling helpless, there are some important aspects of your recovery that you can take responsibility for.
    Here's how these 5 personal factors can impact your stroke recovery:
    Recognition
    In order to improve, first you must have awareness that there is a problem. If you think you speak just fine, it’s highly unlikely you’ll put in the time and effort required to change your speech. Some stroke and brain injury survivors are unaware they have problems with communication or cognition, a condition called anosognosia, so when they come to therapy, they don’t understand why they’re being asked to do the tasks. Building insight into the problem is an important first step in rehabilitation.
    Motivation
    After you recognize you have a problem, you must have the desire to change. If you know your speech is slurred but don’t care, why would you put in the time and effort to improve it? Some people lack motivation because they’re suffering from clinical depression, while some strokes physically damage the neural networks and dopamine pathways that control motivation. If you are feeling chronically unmotivated to improve a known impairment, talk to your doctor. And remember, it’s the person with the problem who must want to change – not just their family.
    Determination
    Having the desire to change is a great start, but you also need the resolve to do the work. Changing the brain is possible with repetition and time. There are no easy fixes, so if you really want to change, you have to be prepared to put in the effort – especially when it gets hard. Setting up small tangible rewards for yourself along the way can keep you moving forward when changes in your communication are harder to see.
    Direction
    You know there’s a problem, you want to change, and you’re ready to work hard – now you need a road map. This is where having a good therapist can help you set realistic goals, helping you know where you’re going and how to get there. You’ll receive instructions, exercises, or activities to help you improve.
    Conviction
    Deep down, you have to believe that change is possible. Hope is a powerful drug that makes therapy so much more effective. Some people hear from their doctors that they won’t get any better after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year… These timelines are untrue and can destroy hope. Hope alone won’t make you better, but without hope, progress is rare.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #strokerehabilitation #ARNIstrokerehab #neurorehabilitation     ... See MoreSee Less

    5 Factors You Can Control in Stroke Recovery Neurological rehabilitation is a complex process, influenced by many factors – most of which are outside of your control. You can’t control your age, how big your stroke was, or how severe your deficits are. You have limited control over your access to skilled therapy and whether you have a solid support network of friends and family in place. While this lack of control can leave you feeling helpless, there are some important aspects of your recovery that you can take responsibility for. Heres how these 5 personal factors can impact your stroke recovery: Recognition In order to improve, first you must have awareness that there is a problem. If you think you speak just fine, it’s highly unlikely you’ll put in the time and effort required to change your speech. Some stroke and brain injury survivors are unaware they have problems with communication or cognition, a condition called anosognosia, so when they come to therapy, they don’t understand why they’re being asked to do the tasks. Building insight into the problem is an important first step in rehabilitation. Motivation After you recognize you have a problem, you must have the desire to change. If you know your speech is slurred but don’t care, why would you put in the time and effort to improve it? Some people lack motivation because they’re suffering from clinical depression, while some strokes physically damage the neural networks and dopamine pathways that control motivation. If you are feeling chronically unmotivated to improve a known impairment, talk to your doctor. And remember, it’s the person with the problem who must want to change – not just their family. Determination Having the desire to change is a great start, but you also need the resolve to do the work. Changing the brain is possible with repetition and time. There are no easy fixes, so if you really want to change, you have to be prepared to put in the effort – especially when it gets hard. Setting up small tangible rewards for yourself along the way can keep you moving forward when changes in your communication are harder to see. Direction You know there’s a problem, you want to change, and you’re ready to work hard – now you need a road map. This is where having a good therapist can help you set realistic goals, helping you know where you’re going and how to get there. You’ll receive instructions, exercises, or activities to help you improve. Conviction Deep down, you have to believe that change is possible. Hope is a powerful drug that makes therapy so much more effective. Some people hear from their doctors that they won’t get any better after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year… These timelines are untrue and can destroy hope. Hope alone won’t make you better, but without hope, progress is rare. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #strokerehabilitation #ARNIstrokerehab #neurorehabilitation
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    6 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    Have you ever thought about doing core exercises on a chair? (no, me neither). Sit on a hard chair so the back of it is by your good arm. Then lean back, safely, as far as you can, to work your core. So its the same exercise without having to get down to the floor. So wherever you are shuffle forward a bit to give yourself some space to lean back and you can do it anywhere. Clever!
    www.arni.uk.com
    #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab     ... See MoreSee Less

    Have you ever thought about doing core exercises on a chair? (no, me neither). Sit on a hard chair so the back of it is by your good arm. Then lean back, safely, as far as you can, to work your core. So its the same exercise without having to get down to the floor. So wherever you are shuffle forward a bit to give yourself some space to lean back and you can do it anywhere. Clever! www.arni.uk.com #strokesurvivorscan #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokerecovery #strokerehabilitation #neuroplasticity #ARNIstrokerehab
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    6 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.”
    In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills.
    Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan     ... See MoreSee Less

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.” In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills. Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    7 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    ARNI Stroke Charity for stroke survivors, families and healthcare professionals: providing specialist rehabilitation and exercise support after hospital and community physiotherapy finishes.

    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation     ... See MoreSee Less

    ARNI Stroke Charity for stroke survivors, families and healthcare professionals: providing specialist rehabilitation and exercise support after hospital and community physiotherapy finishes. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #strokesurvivorscan #strokesurvivors #strokerecovery #neuroplasticity #strokeexercise #neurorehab #ARNIstrokerehab #strokerehabilitation
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    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery
    7 days ago
    ARNI Stroke Rehab & Recovery

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.”
    In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills.
    Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis.

    if you want help to develop good habits (that help with your recovery) then call us on 0203 053 0111 or email support@arni.uk.com. We have trainers throughout the country who can help you.
    www.arni.uk.com
    #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan     ... See MoreSee Less

    A habit is something that you do with little effort because you’ve done it hundreds of times before. Repetitive action creates strong pathways in the brain for that specific habit, which is why habits eventually become “mindless.” In contrast to this, a stroke can mean that someone has to exert more effort to perform activities of daily living, such as getting dressed. That’s because the stroke damaged the strong neural pathways that once controlled those skills. Luckily, the brain can rewire itself to rebuild those neural pathways again. As with all habits, you won’t see results without consistent effort; repeated on a regular basis. if you want help to develop good habits (that help with your recovery) then call us on 0203 053 0111 or email support@arni.uk.com. We have trainers throughout the country who can help you. www.arni.uk.com #arnistrokecharity #stroke #strokesurvivors #neuroplasticity #neurorehab #strokerecovery #neurorehab #strokeexercise #strokesurvivorscan
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