Aphasia and return to work in younger stroke survivors

Background: Younger stroke patients (i.e., typically those between 18 and 65 years of age) experience fewer stokes than older patients. However, younger stroke survivors are more likely to live longer with disability, have dependants, and be engaged in full- or part-time employment. Aphasia post stroke occurs in 10% of younger survivors, and can significantly impact the ability to resume previous activities of daily living. Unfortunately traditional rehabilitation often does not account for language impairments that impact vocational status.