Aphasia, a language impairment affecting many stroke survivors, receives insufficient attention and support, leaving individuals struggling to regain their ability to communicate. Yago Bundgaard, a former headmaster, experienced this firsthand after suffering a stroke in 2019, losing his ability to speak, read, and understand language.
Despite the prevalence of aphasia, affecting approximately one in three stroke survivors, systematic support is lacking. Bundgaard’s experience highlights the challenges faced by those navigating the healthcare system after discharge from the hospital.
After initial intensive rehabilitation, Bundgaard faced a month-long wait without speech therapy or a rehabilitation plan. His wife’s persistent advocacy secured limited therapy hours, but this was insufficient for meaningful progress.
Four years later, Bundgaard trains independently, hearing similar stories from others. The availability of support varies greatly depending on the municipality, leading to unequal access to care.
Aphasia is more than just difficulty finding words; it affects identity, work, and social life, impacting self-esteem and relationships. However, it is not treated with the same systematic approach as physical paralysis. Support through general practitioners or the regular healthcare system is often unavailable, resulting in a lack of follow-up and a clear plan.
Bundgaard, along with Sahra Mengal, chairperson of the Audiologopedic Association, advocates for national guidelines for aphasia rehabilitation, improved professional education, and referral options through primary care physicians.
They emphasize the need for recognition as a group deserving systematic support, not just initially, but throughout the recovery process. Loss of language can sever connection to the world, and help is crucial to regain it. The authors call for politicians to understand the seriousness of language loss and equate aphasia with other serious conditions, ensuring equality in healthcare access and upholding human dignity.