Today's Article

Bruce Willis Has Aphasia, What Is That?

브루스 윌리스가 앓고 있다는 실어증이란? 

A 1heartbreaking announcement made by the family of a 2well-known actor Bruce Willis... 3stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him after 4being diagnosed with 5aphasia.

“Aphasia is the inability to communicate, or difficulty using our language, to speak, to read write or simply comprehend or understand what people are saying.”

Dr. Babak Tousi, a neurology specialist at Cleveland Clinic says aphasia can happen suddenly -- after a stroke or brain injury. He says people with this type tend to respond well to speech and language therapy. But, the other 6progressive type of this disease causes a gradual deterioration of brain tissue. Tousi says there’s no cure and no 7medication that treats it.

“It’s all about finding a new normal in communication, day to day activities.”

Tousi says early symptoms include: trouble finding words which gets more common, substituting or making up words, talking around words, using 8abnormally short phrases and difficulty reading and writing.

“Not being able to express yourself efficiently, sometimes makes you feel prisoned.”

Tousi says aphasia can also cause 9frustration and stress in the patient which is why it’s important for them to work on new strategies to communicate.