Understanding aphasia - from different perspectives

In our three-part SNS podcast series, we shed light on aphasia from different perspectives. Aphasia sufferers, relatives, carers, speech therapists and doctors have their say and share their experiences.

In conversation with speech therapist Ines Conzett, we immerse ourselves in everyday life with aphasia: The conversations are authentic, touching and inspiring - and they raise awareness of a condition that permanently changes the language and lives of those affected.

With this podcast series, the SNS aims to raise awareness of aphasia, strengthen understanding of the effects of the condition and emphasise the importance of networked and interprofessional collaboration in therapy.

Immerse yourself in exciting episodes that impart knowledge, promote empathy and open up new perspectives for anyone who wants to learn more about the condition, its effects and how to deal with it.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please recommend it to others!

Podcast I: Aphasia from a scientific perspective

"The problems of not being able to communicate are massive. And that sometimes requires everyone at the bedside." - Prof Dr Susanne Wegener, MD

In this episode, we look at the medical background to aphasia. Prof Dr Susanne Wegener (SNS Board Member) explains how speech disorders develop, what therapies are possible today and what progress is being made in research.

Prof. Dr. med. Susanne Wegener is a neurologist and has been a senior physician at the Department of Neurology at the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) since 2011 and an SNSF professor at the University of Zurich since 2017. After studying medicine and completing her doctorate in Hamburg, she conducted research at the Max Planck Institute in Cologne and at the University of California, San Diego. She isBoard member of the SNS and WIN, active in the "migraine friendly workspace" task force of the Swiss Headache Society (SHS) and a member of the Swiss Stroke Society (SHG) and the European Stroke Organisation (ESOC), among others. Her research focusses on recovery after stroke, microcirculation, plasticity and new imaging techniques such as optoacoustic imaging.

Click here for the transcript of the podcast:

Podcast II: Aphasia from the perspective of care and speech therapy

"At the beginning, we specifically collect information from the relatives about the patient's needs and habits. As language doesn't work, this helps us to find the right way to communicate and organise contact in the best possible way." - Care expert Stephan Behr

In this episode, care expert Stephan Behr and speech therapist Jennifer Weber talk about the role of care and speech therapy in the treatment of people with aphasia. They explain the challenges that arise both at the beginning of a therapy phase and as the illness progresses, and show what changes and progress are possible during therapy.

They also provide insights into helpful strategies and tools for carers and speech therapists - especially for dealing with particularly challenging situations - and show where professionals can find targeted support. The episode illustrates how important close interprofessional collaboration is for successful support.

Click here for the transcript of the podcast:

Podcast III: Aphasia from the perspective of those affected and their relatives

"The shocking thing is that you can sense that something is wrong, but you can't do anything. You can't call anyone and ask for help." - Urs-Peter Michel, affected person

From one moment to the next, Urs-Peter Michel's life changed fundamentally: language, communication, everyday life - everything had to be relearned and rebuilt. In this very personal episode, Urs-Peter and Verena Michel talk about the profound changes they experienced after being diagnosed with aphasia. They talk openly and movingly about the challenges, fears and hopes on their journey together - and about the importance of mutual support and new perspectives.

Click here for the transcript of the podcast:

Links and further information

If you are interested in an intensive week for aphasics: Please contact s.kuehnernoSpam@rehab.noSpamch (Deputy Head of Speech Therapy at Rehab Basel).