Outcome of a one-month therapy intensive for chronic aphasia: variable individual responses

Abstract

We examined the outcome of a 1-month intensive treatment block for people with chronic aphasia. The selected participants were eight chronically impaired people (mean months post-onset [MPO], 34). We conducted pre- and post-treatment assessments using the English-language version of the Aachen Aphasia Test (EAAT) and the Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI). The group had significant overall improvement following treatment, which was maintained for 1 month, most significant changes seen on the EAAT were mainly in naming, comprehension, and reading and writing. Improvement was also observed on the CETI. Individual responses to treatment were variable, with some participants making more progress than others. Although the more mildly aphasic participant made most gains overall, the most severe and oldest participant made the most gains. We observed significant improvement in some subtests for some participants 1 month after treatment had ceased, suggesting a delayed effect of treatment. We conclude that short-term blocks of intensive treatment for chronically aphasic individuals can be effective.