Aphasia awareness month: The impact and challenges faced by individuals and families

In 2009, Robert D. Jackson (RDW) suffered a stroke in a Publix in Atlanta. He survived, but unfortunately, he was never the same due to getting Aphasia, a condition that affects one’s ability to speak. While Jackson’s wisdom and character remain intact, he had to relearn how to communicate from scratch. Aphasia is a bigger problem than we realize, and July is dedicated to raising awareness about it. Jackson and experts share why this issue needs our attention and how we can support those dealing with it.

“Language-wise, you are not there anymore. You are not your old self. It is like being a bodybuilder, and all your muscles turn into flab. It is more frustrating when you’re trying to say something to someone; you know, what you’re telling them is right. Still, it might be the other way around,” said RDW Jackson The Atlanta Voice Executive Marketing Specialist.

Aphasia is a life-changing illness for individuals and their loved ones. Aphasia impairs the ability to use or comprehend words. It occurs after someone has a stroke or brain injury.

RDW Jackson has been in the Black newspaper business for 41 years. He started in advertising at the Philadelphia Tribune in 1984 and joined the Atlanta Voice in 1992 after working for The Los Angeles Sentinel. In 2019, he won the Georgia Minority Business Award for sales and marketing. Jackson’s work involves communicating with confidence and charisma. Aphasia stunted Jackson’s ability to utilize those skills. This disease put Jackson and his wife, Marie Jackson, on a challenging journey in their lives.

“It was tough for him because it was his first time being that sick. He was always like the Energizer bunny. Not being able to talk was a handicap because that’s what he does. I don’t know if I am making him dependent by finishing the words he is trying to say,” said Marie Jackson.

The road to recovery for most people with aphasia begins with a speech pathologist. These experts are trained to help people with communication problems. RDW Jackson’s recovery journey began with speech cards and word video games. He gradually built his ability to speak over the phone and have conversations. His wife played a huge role in this process. Her support made a difference in how he regained his ability to talk again. Neuropsychologist Dr. Kareem Edward explains how the support from loved ones determines one’s recovery from aphasia.

“Family support is so essential when someone is diagnosed with Aphasia. I think that helps to smooth the treatment process.,” said Dr. Edwards, owner of NeuroHealth Professionals of Florida.

“Sometimes anger comes out from a person with Aphasia because they’re trying to express an idea, but they can’t. Educating the family on communication forms and lifestyle changes is paramount so they can soothe their person with Aphasia when they feel frustration, anxiety, or depression,” said Dr. Edwards.

The neuropsychologist further elaborates that there is no exact time when a person can get better from Aphasia. Individuals develop at different rates, so family members who support those with Aphasia need to exercise patience.

For Georgia Residents, the Georgia Aphasia Project (GAP) offers community and resources for those on this journey. They provide a safe space for people with Aphasia and their support partners to get the help they need to manage this issue.

“Aphasia has this potential to be an invisible disability. Many people don’t continue with their care or have resources after leaving the outpatient setting. Our goal is to provide accessible programs for individuals at little to no cost,” said Lorelei Benham, speech pathologist and cofounder of the Georgia Aphasia Project.

GAP launched in December 2023. Benham and her cofounder, Ariela Kaplan, consider access their most significant tool for helping those affected by Aphasia.

They offer in-person communication groups twice a month for those with Aphasia. Gap also provides availability for licensed professional counselors for support partners. This is an opportunity for support partners to discuss their challenges while caring for their loved ones with the disease.

Benham and Kaplan are aware of the challenges they face with the local population and Aphasia. Benham explains that Georgia is located in the “stroke belt” of the southeast, which means the state has a higher rate of strokes and, subsequently, a higher prevalence of Aphasia.

Aphasia is a problem that requires more attention in Georgia. RDW Jackson has encountered several people in the worst condition with the disease. Increased awareness of this subject can make more support available to those on their recovery journey.

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