Brain Exercises for Broca's Aphasia

by SARAH THOMPSON Last Updated: Aug 14, 2017

Broca’s aphasia is a type of aphasia, a condition resulting from a brain injury to areas responsible for
language. Broca’s aphasia results from damage to the frontal lobe from occurrences such as stroke, brain
injury or brain tumor. A sufferer of Broca’s aphasia may understand completely the sentences of others.
However, he may not be able to speak at all, or may speak in sentences that are hard to understand. This
is because prepositions, pronouns and auxiliary verbs, such as "on," "have," "beside," "is" and "she" are
often left out of speech. Though there are no medicines available for recovery from aphasia, you can
assist a sufferer's treatment via certain exercises.

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Accompanying Symptoms of Broca’s Aphasia

With Broca’s aphasia, sometimes called expressive aphasia, a sufferer may also be experiencing
impairment in word-finding abilities and articulation. In addition, sentences may be short and incomplete
and speech may be slow. While she is still able to understand the sentences and ideas of others, the
understanding of complex material is compromised. Though these symptoms are not present in all
sufferers of Broca’s aphasia, they do contribute to speech and language difficulties.

Opposites Exercise
This exercise helps with repairing word-finding abilities and articulation, as well as expanding limited
concepts. For this exercise, write down ten words, such as "up," "mad" and "bright." Then, ask for the
opposite of the word. For instance, you would ask, “What is the opposite of up?” You would then reply
with “down.” This exercise can increase in difficulty, with concepts increasing in complexity as the
sufferer's tolerance strengthens. For instance, try “frustration” and “joy.”

Preposition Exercise

This exercise uses two spoons and a box, and helps firm the concept of prepositions. To start, place the
box on a surface and place both spoons anywhere relative to the box, such as on the box and beside it.
These spoons would not be in the same location. Then ask, “Which spoon is on the box?” He would then
reply by picking up or pointing at the spoon. You can increase the difficulty by using multiple spoons.

Therapy

In addition to exercises, the sufferer’s physician may recommend or require speech therapy. Speech
therapy is the prime method of treatment for aphasia and is initiated as soon her condition allows, says
the Penn State College of Medicine. Speech therapy will strengthen existing language skills and find ways
for her to compensate for the language skills lost. Treatment may involve exercises of the facial muscles,
repetition of words, reading or writing exercises in workbooks or flash cards with images for memory
improvement. Though it usually takes around two years, therapy can usually result in partial to full
recovery. However, this is contingent upon severity and cause of injury, age and overall health.

Support and Broca’s Aphasia

Like exercise and therapy, a sufferer’s family and friends are a key element in recovery, providing
support, understanding and help. However, certain guidelines are crucial in providing the most beneficial
support possible. You, as a supporter, are encouraged to avoid correcting his speech, allow him time to
speak, maintain a conversation manner appropriate for an adult, ask for and appreciate his opinions and
include him in conversations with others. You should also encourage him to converse in any manner
comfortable to him and to seek social support through groups or organizations.