Are pharmacotherapeutics effective for treating aphasia?

Abstract

Introduction: Aphasia is a communication disorder resulting from stroke and/or neurodegenerative conditions which involve the left cerebral hemisphere. It is a debilitating disorder affecting a person's ability to speak, understand, read, and write. Its impact on daily life necessitates therapeutic strategies to aid patients with aphasia.

Areas covered: In this special report, the authors speculate whether current pharmacotherapeutic strategies are effective in treating aphasia. The authors look at aphasia caused by different conditions and how this could impact therapy before providing the reader with their expert perspectives. The aim of this paper is for the reader to gain a clearer understanding of the efficacy of the current pharmacotherapeutic treatment paradigms as well as potential future developments.

Expert opinion: The exploration of pharmacotherapy for aphasia in vascular brain disorders and neurodegenerative diseases has received much attention in recent years with various therapeutic strategies having been put forward. In terms of whether pharmacotherapy is effective for the treatment of aphasia, there is still no clear-cut answer. Further research is needed with more studies requiring a greater emphasis on language and communication deficits. Biomarkers may also help clinicians provide their patients with a more personalized treatment plan.

Keywords: Aphasia; alzheimer disease; clinical trials; neuroplasticity; neurotransmitters; primary progressive aphasia; vascular cognitive impairment.