Aphasia in Adults: Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment

Abstract

The authors of this book are among the leaders in comprehensive language-testing in aphasics, an approach forming the basis for much of the current literature. The data obtained from the application of their own test are presented, together with a valuable historical review and survey of current research. Two important principles have been confirmed, firstly, that in a given aphasic patient, patterns of error are consistent, and secondly, that in any aphasic all modalities of language are impaired. Statistical analysis of recurring patterns of language impairment has resulted in yet another classification of aphasia, with categories differing in specific perceptual, sensorimotor, and dysarthric components. The authors recognize that statistical evaluations of human illness, with their connotation of precision, cannot always be applied to the individual patient, but they present data which appear consistent and reproducible. Although the imprecise classical terminology is abandoned, that of the authors is perhaps equally unwieldy.