[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        INTRODUCING NATIONAL APHASIA AWARENESS MONTH RESOLUTION

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                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2008

  Mr. MARKEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to reintroduce legislation to 
designate June as 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. This condition is a result of damage to the left 
hemisphere of the brain. The main cause of aphasia is stroke, but other 
causes of aphasia include blows to the head, gunshot wounds, and brain 
tumors. Strokes are the third leading cause of death and disability in 
the United States today, and the effects of aphasia are borne not only 
by the victim but also by the victim's family and friends.
  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 can affect expressive and 
receptive language, as well as impair a person's ability to read and 
write. People who suffer from aphasia are able to function in everyday 
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 as I did last year 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. Last year 
when we honored June as National Aphasia Awareness Month it meant a 
great deal to the groups and doctors working on preventative measures 
and conducting new research for this disease.
  This resolution recognizes June 2008 as National Aphasia Awareness 
Month in hopes of drawing more attention to this illness and in hopes 
that more recognition will highlight the importance of research and 
compassion for the daily struggle faced by those affected by aphasia.

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