From the Guidelines
Conduction aphasia is a language disorder characterized by difficulty repeating words or phrases despite having relatively intact comprehension and fluent speech production. It occurs due to damage to the arcuate fasciculus, a bundle of nerve fibers connecting Wernicke's area (responsible for language comprehension) and Broca's area (responsible for speech production) in the brain 1. People with conduction aphasia typically understand spoken language well and can speak in complete, grammatically correct sentences, but struggle significantly when asked to repeat what they've heard. When attempting repetition, they often make phonemic paraphasias, substituting similar-sounding words or sounds. This condition usually results from stroke affecting the left hemisphere, particularly the parietal lobe, though it can also stem from traumatic brain injury, tumors, or other neurological conditions.
Key Characteristics
- Difficulty repeating words or phrases
- Relatively intact comprehension
- Fluent speech production
- Phonemic paraphasias when attempting repetition
Treatment and Management
Treatment typically involves speech therapy focused on repetition exercises and compensatory strategies, with the prognosis varying based on the underlying cause and extent of brain damage 2. Speech and language therapy is recommended for individuals with aphasia, and treatment should include communication partner training 2. Additionally, alternative means of communication, such as gesture, drawing, writing, or use of augmentative and alternative communication devices, may be used as appropriate 3. Recovery may be partial or complete depending on these factors and the individual's overall health and age.
Importance of Early Intervention
Early intervention and treatment are crucial in improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with conduction aphasia. A certified speech and language pathologist should perform the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders, and the overall goals of speech and language treatment should be to facilitate the recovery of communication, assist patients in developing strategies to compensate for communication disorders, and counsel and educate people in the patient’s environment on assistive communication supports 4.
From the Research
Definition of Conduction Aphasia
Conduction aphasia is a type of aphasia characterized by difficulty in repeating words and phrases, as well as in finding the right words when speaking 5. It is often associated with damage to the left hemisphere of the brain, particularly in the area of the arcuate fasciculus 5.
Characteristics of Conduction Aphasia
Some common characteristics of conduction aphasia include:
- Difficulty with word retrieval and repetition 5
- Struggling to find the right words when speaking 5
- Making errors in speech, such as substituting one word for another 5
- Having relatively preserved spontaneous speech and comprehension 5
Treatment of Conduction Aphasia
Treatment for conduction aphasia may involve a combination of speech and language therapy, as well as pharmacological interventions 5. Studies have shown that donepezil, a cholinergic agent, can be effective in improving language deficits in individuals with conduction aphasia 5, 6, 7. Additionally, intensive naming therapy and conversation group treatment have also been shown to be beneficial 6, 8.
Related Conditions
Conduction aphasia is distinct from other types of aphasia, such as Wernicke aphasia and primary progressive aphasia 9, 7. While conduction aphasia is typically characterized by difficulty with repetition and word retrieval, Wernicke aphasia is marked by difficulty with comprehension and fluent but nonsensical speech 7. Primary progressive aphasia, on the other hand, is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects language and communication abilities 9.