language disorders

Last reviewed 01/2018

Disorders of speech and language may be of four types:

  • an inability to use or understand language - this is dysphasia or aphasia

  • an inability to mechanically produce speech despite normal understanding and motor signals - this is dysarthria or anarthria

  • an inability to produce sound - this is dysphonia

  • there may be general deterioration in language skills which may accompany delerium or dementia, such patients may also develop:
    • language perseveration - palilalia
    • compulsive repitition - echolalia