Anomic aphasia

Anomic aphasia is a mild form of aphasia that makes it hard for a person to find words or name items. People with anomic aphasia can usually speak fluently, often with apparent ease. However, they might have trouble finding certain words, especially nouns or verbs.

Someone who has anomic aphasia will often talk in complete, correct sentences. But they might use vague words (like “thing”) when they can’t name an item or action. For example, someone who can’t think of the word “escalator” might say, “I took the moving stairs.”

Clinicians may also call anomic aphasia amnesic aphasia, nominal aphasia, or anomia. Speech therapists work with people with anomic aphasia on tasks to improve naming and word-finding.

What are the symptoms of anomic aphasia?

The most common symptom of anomic aphasia is difficulty finding words when speaking or writing. Other symptoms include:

• Pausing while talking
• Stumbling over certain words, especially nouns or verbs
• Using more general words as placeholders (“stuff”, “things”)
• Using lots of filler words, like “um”, “uh”, “like” when trying to think of a word
• Describing a word when they can’t find it

Many people with anomic aphasia can remember the word they had trouble with later, sometimes after the conversation is over. They may also be able to say the word they’re looking for if the person they’re talking to can come up with the first sound.

Often people with anomic aphasia have no trouble speaking fluently, except when they suddenly can’t find a word. They may communicate successfully by using other words, descriptions, or context clues. Sometimes people with anomic aphasia may feel like they’re losing their memory, or they may feel like they’re not as smart as they used to be. It’s important to remember that anomic aphasia only affects language and has nothing to do with intelligence or memory.

What causes anomic aphasia?

Anomic aphasia is caused by damage to the language processing center of your brain. This can happen due to:

• Stroke (the most common cause of anomic aphasia)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Infections of the brain
• Brain tumors
• Conditions that cause neurodegeneration of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s or Primary Progressive Aphasia

Which part of the brain is affected?

In anomic aphasia, the part of the brain that regulates what and how you speak is affected. This part of the brain is specifically the left side (or hemisphere) of the brain. Medical providers, neurologists, and scientists refer to these areas as the left temporal and parietal lobes.

How is anomic aphasia diagnosed?

Anomic aphasia is diagnosed by a speech pathologist through a language exam after someone shows symptoms of the condition.

If a person is having trouble coming up with words or fumbling over them while speaking or writing, a speech pathologist may conduct language exams to determine if they have anomic aphasia.

The provider may also want the patient to undergo imaging tests to find which part of the language processing area of the brain is damaged. These tests may include a CT scan (computed tomography) or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

How is anomic aphasia treated?

While there isn’t a cure for anomic aphasia, many patients can improve their communication with speech therapy.

SLPs work with patients with anomic aphasia to develop strategies to communicate clearly again. An SLP may also develop a treatment plan to help improve language skills and word finding.

During speech therapy, the SLP will work with the patient on improving word finding and overall communication skills. Therapy may include strategies to help retrieve words, describe ideas when a word is hard to find, or use alternative ways to communicate. Treatment plans are individualized based on a person’s specific needs and abilities.

In some cases, treatment may also include the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). AAC uses tools like pictures or electronic devices to help people communicate when finding words is hard. AAC can be used along with speech therapy to support everyday communication.

Practicing speech therapy skills outside of sessions can help support improvements in communication. Using these skills in everyday situations, such as talking with friends and family, may help improve fluency and accuracy in speech.

Medical providers may also treat the cause of anomic aphasia, such as prescribing medications to clear up a brain infection or manage symptoms of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Can anomic aphasia improve?

Some people with anomic aphasia can experience improvement in their symptoms. Changes in word-finding ability may occur over time, especially in the period following a stroke or other brain injury. The degree of improvement can vary from person to person.

Speech therapy can help support communication by addressing word-finding difficulties and teaching strategies to manage language challenges. Time and continued use of communication skills, including speaking and writing, may also support improvement for some people.

Can anomic aphasia be prevented?

Anomic aphasia can happen suddenly and may not always be preventable. One way to prevent anomic aphasia is to reduce the risk of brain damage.  

For example, living a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent stroke, which is the most common cause of anomic aphasia. Additionally, always wear a helmet and other protective gear when you're participating in high-risk activities like riding a motorcycle or bicycle. Also, follow your medical provider's instructions when it comes to taking medications to treat infections or other underlying conditions. 

What is it like to live with anomic aphasia?

People who have anomic aphasia can lead fulfilling lives. However, anomic aphasia can make it difficult or frustrating to talk with people. A person with the condition may feel like every conversation is a game of charades, with other participants having to guess what word they mean.

People may think a person with anomic aphasia is simply forgetful. A person with anomic aphasia may feel that the difficulty is their fault. It’s important to remember that the inability to find the word is due to brain damage, not forgetfulness, lack of intelligence, or a personal failing.

What emotional or psychological effects can occur?

People with anomic aphasia often feel several similar emotions, including frustration and embarrassment. This may lead them to have anxiety about speaking with others, which can contribute to social isolation and depression.