Journal

The Japanese journal of neuropsychology

[Vol.28 No.1 contents]
Japanese/English

Full Text of this Article
in Japanese PDF (452K)
ArticleTitle Paradigm shift in aphasia therapy
Language J
AuthorList Ikuyo Fujita
Affiliation International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences
Publication Japanese Journal of Neuropsychology: 28 (1), 8-16, 2012
Received
Accepted
Abstract Aphasia therapy has been developing with advance of understanding of aphasia and increasing knowledge provided treatment researches. This paper presents historical review of approaches to the treatment of aphasia, and discusses cognitive neuropsychological approach for aphasia presenting a case who was treated word finding difficulties by this approach. Finally, recent neuroimaging researches of aphasia recovery provided by therapy were briefly reviewed.
We are now in a position to offer more rational interventions to the aphasic patients than in the past, in terms of (i) holistic approach combined impairment treatment, functional communication therapies and those derived social models, (ii) treatment based hypotheses about how therapy modifies damaged cognitive processes, especially, cognitive neuropsychological approach provides us proper tool for reaching a precise functional diagnosis and treatment strategy, (iii) sophisticated neuroimaging analysis about reorganization of language system during treatment induced recovery.
Since the 1960s, a lot of researches have been conducted to verify the efficacy of aphasia therapy, and this has been in general demonstrated, although no single case experimental study is free from methodological limitations. The questions as such which treatment is more effective for whom are being now asked.
Keywords aphasia, speech and language therapy, recovery, cognitive neuropsychological approach, brain functional imaging

Copyright © 2002 NEUROPSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF JAPAN All rights reserved
http://www.neuropsychology.gr.jp/