[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1425]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCTION OF APHASIA AWARENESS RESOLUTION

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                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2007

  Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce legislation to support 
the goals of National Aphasia Awareness Month
  Aphasia is a disease that causes the loss of the ability to produce 
and/or comprehend language it can also impair a person's ability to 
read and write. Each case is different depending on the severity of the 
stroke or brain trauma and definitely does not affect everyone is the 
same way. This condition is a result of damage to the left hemisphere 
of the brain. The main cause of aphasia is stroke. Strokes are the 
third leading cause of death and disability in the United States today 
and their affects are felt not only by the victim but also by the 
victim's family and friends. Other causes of aphasia include blows to 
the head, gun shot wounds, and brain tumors.
  Currently there is research being done on how to help people with 
Aphasia enjoy a better quality of life. Aphasia does not cause any kind 
of disability in thinking or learning but in the comprehension of 
things that are said and how to respond to people. People who suffer 
from aphasia are able to function in every day life, but they need 
assistance and attention. Moreover, further research is needed to 
improve our understanding of how to identify the risk factors that 
cause aphasia, prevent the occurrence of aphasia and improve the 
ability to function of those with the disease.
  There are currently about one million cases of aphasia in the United 
States, and about 80,000 people are afflicted with the disease every 
year. By working with vocational specialists, speech-language 
pathologists and family and friends, many of those with aphasia may be 
able to obtain some sense of normalcy and regain some of their skills. 
I am introducing this resolution to support the goals of National 
Aphasia Awareness Month with the hope that it will bring more attention 
to this disease and give a voice to those who suffer from Aphasia who 
often cannot speak for themselves. This resolution recognizes June 2007 
as National Aphasia Awareness Month in hopes of giving more attention 
to this illness and in hopes that more recognition will highlight the 
importance of research and compassion to the daily struggle faced by 
those affected by Aphasia.

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