THE Shenton Park campus of Royal Perth Hospital is helping patients like Sharon Bennett overcome problems related to the largely low-profile condition, aphasia.
The healthy 37-year-old experienced a sudden stroke in April that did not cause any physical symptoms, but damage to the left side of her brain had her struggling to find the right words to express herself.
About one third of stroke patients develop the language loss and comprehension disorder, which is more common than Parkinson’s disease.
RPH senior speech pathologist Jade Cartwright said that losing the ability to articulate words when communicating with others could become extremely depressing and frustrating for patients.
“They often know in their own minds what they want to say but are unable to retrieve the correct words, sounds or sentences to convey their message,” she said.
Before the stroke, Ms Bennett worked as an executive personal assistant and was in training to become a fitness instructor but those plans are now on hold.
Ms Bennett, who has regular speech therapy, is optimistic she will make a full recovery and return to work.
“I have had wonderful support and I strongly believe that I will get well,” she said.
“I will never give up.”
Ms Bennett hopes to raise the profile of aphasia.
Visit www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au for more information.