Treatment approaches to aphasia: Contributions of VA clinicians

Abstract

Background: Since the 1950s, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinicians and researchers have made significant contributions to the aphasia treatment literature. This paper, one of a series on VA contributions to the diagnosis and management of aphasia and related disorders, highlights some of these treatment approaches. They are described within the changing context of how aphasia and its management have been viewed over the past several decades.

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to describe specific treatment approaches in the management of aphasia to which VA clinician researchers have significantly contributed. Research studies evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of these treatment approaches are cited.

Conclusions: Beginning with Schuell's intensive auditory stimulation approach in the period after World War II and continuing into the present as new approaches based on recent data from the neurosciences are investigated, VA clinician‐researchers have been at the forefront of novel treatments for aphasia. Individuals with aphasia as well as their families and other communication partners have benefited from these efforts.

Keywords:

• Aphasia
• Treatment
• Veterans