I’ve been studying Broca’s aphasia. The more I learn, the more aspects I still don’t understand. So, to better grasp Broca’s aphasia, I wanted to also look into Wernicke’s aphasia, which is related to it. Although there are many other types of aphasia besides these two, I was told that Broca’s and Wernicke’s aphasia are most relevant to my condition, which made me want to learn more deeply.
However… the thought of having to study more makes me hesitate again. “Will studying more really help? Is this the right path?” Doubts creep in, but then I quickly steel myself, “No, let’s study more!” On some days at the hospital, I find myself studying exceptionally well. On those days, I feel better, forgotten memories resurface, and I feel a sense of accomplishment. I’m so happy and filled with hope that if I keep studying like this, I’ll recover quickly. I’m so overjoyed that I don’t know what to do with myself.
After finishing my studies at the hospital and returning home, I let my imagination soar again. “Hmm… I’m almost done now. Not much left… Fighting!” My mind becomes filled with such positive thoughts.
Wernicke’s Aphasia
Wernicke’s Aphasia is a language disorder that results from damage to the Wernicke’s area of the brain. This area is primarily responsible for language comprehension. In contrast to individuals with Broca’s aphasia, those with Wernicke’s aphasia can speak fluently, but the content of their speech may be meaningless or chaotic. It’s as if their words flow freely, but often neither they nor the listener can understand what their speech means.
The specific characteristics are as follows:
- Difficulty with Language Comprehension: They experience severe difficulty understanding what others say or what they read.
- Fluent Speech: Their speech may sound grammatically smooth, but they use meaningless words or sentences, and sometimes create abnormal words (this is called neologism).
- Impaired Repetition: They struggle to repeat words or sentences they have heard.
- Lack of Awareness of Errors: They often do not recognize that their own speech is illogical or incorrect.
While my condition is said to be closer to Broca’s aphasia, I also experience difficulties with language comprehension, so it seems I have some characteristics of Wernicke’s aphasia as well. I believe that understanding both will be of great help in my recovery.