On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

<p>Jonathan Hirons's journey following his stroke and diagnosis of aphasia is both inspiring and informative. Here’s a summary of his experience and insights about aphasia:<br><br>### Jonathan's Experience with Aphasia<br><br>1. **Initial Incident**: In January 2019, while in a business meeting, Jonathan began to feel strange and soon realized he could not communicate effectively. His colleagues quickly called for medical help.<br><br>2. **Medical Emergency**: He was rushed to University College Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a stroke due to a bleed on the brain. He spent five nights in the hospital and was diagnosed with **aphasia**.<br><br>3. **Impact on Daily Life**:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- Jonathan struggled with basic tasks such as speaking, reading, and writing.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- He had memory issues, recalling only his postcode but not his full address or other personal information.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- He faced challenges in understanding spoken language but could still sign his name.<br><br>4. **Support from Family**: His wife, Ann, played a crucial role in his recovery:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- She encouraged him to read aloud daily and used flashcards to aid in word recognition and writing.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- This early intervention was vital for his rehabilitation.<br><br>5. **Progress Through Therapy**: With the help of speech therapy, Jonathan made significant improvements:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- He regained much of his ability to read and write, although he still experiences difficulties, especially when tired.<br><br>6. **Advocacy and Awareness**:<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- Jonathan has turned his experiences into a creative outlet by producing films, including **"On the Tip of My Tongue"** and **"What is Aphasia?"** These films aim to educate others about aphasia and its challenges.<br>&nbsp; &nbsp;- He actively shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia as a hidden disability and the ongoing need for support beyond initial rehabilitation.<br><br>### Understanding Aphasia<br><br>Aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication abilities, including:<br>- **Speaking**: Difficulty in forming words or sentences.<br>- **Understanding**: Challenges in comprehending spoken or written language.<br>- **Reading and Writing**: Problems with reading text or writing coherently.<br><br>### Key Takeaways<br><br>- **Aphasia is often a result of brain damage**, commonly from strokes, and can significantly impact daily life.<br>- **Early intervention and support** are crucial for recovery.<br>- **Awareness and education** about aphasia can help reduce stigma and improve support for those affected.<br><br>Jonathan's story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and the importance of community support in their recovery journey.</p>

Recent Episodes

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Dec 12, 2024

Clip of On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 3 - Dr Suzanne Beeke

1 mins

Dec 12, 2024

Preview of On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 5 - Colin Lyall founder of Say Aphasia

0 mins

Dec 3, 2024

On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 4 - Derek Munn

37 mins

Nov 10, 2024

On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 3 - Dr Suzanne Beeke

S2 E3 • 44 mins

Nov 1, 2024

On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 2 - Pete Coady, Say Aphasia Darlington

S2 E2 • 22 mins