The grief response in neuropathologies of speech and language

Loss and the feelings associated with it permeate all significant occurrences of aphasia, apraxia, and dysarthria. In aphasic, apraxic and dysarthric patients there is a painful separation from loved ones and valued objects, and reduced levels of functioning. Neurogenic communication disorders, and concomitantly occurring pathologies are frequently the source of many real and symbolic losses. They occur rapidly, with little time to prepare. Often the aware patient is overcome by loss and the human reaction to it: the grief response. This paper addresses the dimensions of loss and reactions typically observed in patients with neuropathologies of speech and language.