Therapy apps for speech and language impairments after stroke

Alex Leff, MBBS, BSc, PhD, FRCP, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK, discusses the occurrence of language and visual impairments after stroke. While motor impairments after stroke are well recognized, speech and language impairments are less well addressed, despite their commonality. Aphasia can significantly impact wellbeing, affecting speech, understanding, reading, and writing. Rehabilitation therapies for these impairments are well established and can be very successful, yet many people in healthcare systems across the world do not have access to the amounts of therapy necessary for improvement. In an effort to increase access to therapy, Prof. Leff and his team have designed several apps that address specific areas of impairment. These therapy apps provide patients with practice-based therapy when and where suits them. Additionally, patients can use these much more frequently than they would be able to see a therapist. While not providing the holistic approach provided by formal speech and language therapy, apps such as these are a convenient way to increase the rehabilitation dose many patients are exposed to.

This interview took place at the Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK) Conference 2023 in Aberdeen, UK.

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