Reducing Depression in Post Stroke Aphasic Patient: A Personalized Communication Device

Dr. Maheen Mausoof Adamson and colleagues have developed a personalized non-verbal communication device and associated app for post-stroke expressive aphasia patients.

About one third of the 750,000 people who experience strokes each year in the United States develop aphasia, a language disorder that impairs communication with others. Difficulty with communicating can also be incredibly demoralizing and it is estimated that over 50% of individuals suffering from post-stroke aphasia develop depression. Speech therapy, together with tools that allow for effective non-verbal communication, can help restore communication functions post-stroke. Unfortunately, current communication aide options are limited, lack means for direct involvement of speech pathologists, and ignore the mental and physical health state of the patient.

This new non-verbal communication device and associated app from Dr. Adamson and colleagues provides for a dynamic speech pathologist curriculum with continuously updated personalized stimuli. Additionally, the device can track and report key biometrics indicative of physical and mental health states so that communication partners, caregivers and speech pathogists can provide the most effective rehabilitation.