Non-Fluent Aphasia: What Is It?

 If one of your loved ones has recently received an Aphasia diagnosis, you are likely feeling stressed and concerned – understandably so. When someone goes from being able to communicate with ease to struggling with the different communicative aspects of day-to-day life, it can be overwhelming. 

In this article, our team of North Brisbane Speech Pathologists will share some helpful information on Non-Fluent Aphasia and the different subtypes. At this stage you may have only had a brief discussion with a health professional about aphasia. This article will be a helpful guide to take you through what to expect and how you can best support your loved one with their communication as they begin their rehabilitation journey.  

What Is Aphasia? 

Aphasia is a language disorder that occurs when parts of the brain responsible for communication are damaged. These areas are usually located on the left side of the brain and play an important role in speaking, understanding language, reading, and writing. 

The most common cause of aphasia is stroke. However, aphasia can also result from traumatic brain injuries such as car accidents or falls. In some cases, aphasia develops more gradually due to brain tumours or neurological conditions such as dementia. 

Because language and brain function are complex, aphasia affects people in different ways. Some individuals may have difficulty finding the right words or forming sentences, while others may speak fluently but struggle to make sense or understand language. Identifying the type of aphasia a person has is an important step in determining how best to support their communication. 

What Is Non-Fluent Aphasia? 

Aphasia is often grouped into two broad categories: fluent aphasia and non-fluent aphasia. In this context, fluency refers to how smoothly and easily someone is able to produce connected speech. This includes word selection, word production, sentence structure, pacing, and natural rhythm of speech. 

People with non-fluent aphasia typically produce speech that is slow, effortful, and reduced in length. They may rely on single words or short phrases and often leave out smaller words such as “is,” “the,” or “and.” Speech can sound halting or laboured, even though the person often knows exactly what they want to say. 

Many individuals with non-fluent aphasia have good awareness of their communication difficulties. This awareness can lead to frustration, emotional distress, and reduced confidence in social situations. Over time, some people may avoid communication altogether unless they receive the right support. 

The Different Types of Non-Fluent Aphasia 

Global Aphasia 

Global aphasia is the most severe form of aphasia. It affects almost all aspects of communication, including speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. People with global aphasia may only be able to say a few words or sounds and may understand very little spoken language. 

It is important to remember that a person’s intelligence, personality, and emotions remain intact, even if they cannot express themselves easily. With therapy and support, some improvement is possible, particularly in the early stages following a stroke. 

Broca’s Aphasia 

Broca’s aphasia is caused by damage to the frontal lobe of the brain, usually on the left side. This area is located near regions that control movement, which means individuals with Broca’s aphasia may also experience weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body. 

People with Broca’s aphasia often understand more than they are able to say. Their speech is slow and effortful, and they may struggle to form full sentences. Knowing what they want to communicate but being unable to say it can be extremely frustrating. 

Mixed Non-Fluent Aphasia 

Mixed non-fluent aphasia shares features of both Broca’s aphasia and more severe language comprehension difficulties. Speech is limited and effortful, similar to Broca’s aphasia, but understanding spoken language is also significantly affected. 

Some individuals with this type of aphasia may retain basic reading and writing skills, though these are usually limited to a simple or elementary level. 

Transcortical Motor Aphasia 

Transcortical motor aphasia closely resembles Broca’s aphasia in terms of reduced and effortful speech. The key difference is that people with this type of aphasia are often able to repeat words or sentences accurately, even though they struggle to generate their own speech. 

This ability to repeat can sometimes mask the severity of communication difficulties, making professional assessment particularly important. 

Progressive Non-Fluent Aphasia 

Progressive non-fluent aphasia is a form of primary progressive aphasia. Unlike other types of aphasia that are caused by sudden brain injury such as stroke, this condition develops gradually due to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. 

Language abilities slowly decline over time, with speech production often affected early on. As the condition progresses, difficulties may extend beyond language and include memory loss, changes in behaviour, and other cognitive challenges. 

How Can Speech Pathology Help? 

Speech Pathologists play a vital role in supporting people with non-fluent aphasia and their families. Therapy focuses on helping individuals communicate as effectively as possible, using a combination of spoken language strategies, alternative communication methods, and education for carers. 

Early intervention after a neurological event can make a meaningful difference. A Speech Pathologist can assess communication strengths, provide personalised speech therapy, and guide families on how they can best support communication at home and in the community. 

If your loved one has been diagnosed with non-fluent aphasia, you do not have to navigate this journey alone. Our North Brisbane Speech Pathology team is here to support you every step of the way.