ARCHIEVE

Results of VNeST Therapy in Transcortical Sensory Aphasia: A Case Study

Cansu Yıldırım Kübra Tetik Hacıtahiroğlu Bircan Balseçen Seren Düzenli Öztürk
Abstract

Purpose: Transcortical sensory aphasia (TSA) is neurological syndrome which is among the rarest forms of aphasia subtypes. In TSA, naming and auditory comprehension skills are predominantly affected. It is reported in the literatüre that therapy methods aiming to improve word recall skills that focus on picture-word naming may not be successful in the generalization phase. The Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) was proposed based on previous studies reporting using VNeST that there is an increase in the lexical output of individuals with aphasia with limited verbal performances, and the semantic network of fluent individuals with aphasia is stronger compared to their previous performances. Following this treatment, it is suggested that the individuals produce sentences, make use of the discourse, and convey what they would like to express in a clearer way. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of VNeST on language, cognition and quality of life, which was implemented on o 45-year old male academician and architect whose native language is Turkish and who showed symptoms of transcortical sensory aphasia. Method: The VNeST therapy method was implemented for 3-3.5 hours per week for 10 weeks. The following tests were utilized: “Language Assessment Test for Aphasia” (ADD) was used to assess language skills. “Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test” (MoCA) was used to evaluate cognitive abilities of the case. “The Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39” (SAQOL-39) was finally administered to evaluate the quality of life of the case. Results: At the end of therapy, it was observed that there was an increase in the performance of the case in the all the sub-tests of the ADD Test, especially in the fluency in speech, auditory comprehension, naming, and reading skills subtests. This increase was observed as the scores of ADD obtained following the VNeST was compared to those of the evaluation carried out prior to conducting the therapy sessions. There was an increase in the general score belonging to MoCA, even though the case still experienced challenges related to the sections entitled abstraction and delayed recall. Considering the theoretical framework of VNeST therapy method, there was an increase in the quality of life of the case, especially in the communication sub-test scores that pertained to the SAQOL-39. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this case study, it was seen that the VNeST therapy method had positive impact on a set of parameters including language, cognition, and quality of life within a case with TSA. In prospective studies, it might be suggested that the VNeST be supported with discouse analysis. Also, the long-term efficiency of VNeST could be examined. This efficiency could also be extended to individuals with other types of aphasia including Wernicke, conduction aphasia and others.

Keywords

cognition, language, transcortical sensory aphasia, VNeST, quality of life

References

Albert, M.L., Goodglass, H., Helm, N.A., Rubens, A.B. ve Alexander, M.P. (2013). Clinical Aspects of Dysphasia (Vol. 2). Springer Science & Business Media.

Benson, D. F. & Ardila, A. (1996). Aphasia: A clinical perspective. Oxford University Press.

Berthier, M. L. (2005). Poststroke aphasia. Drugs & Aging, 22(2), 163-182.

Boatman, D., Gordon, B., Hart, J., Selnes, O., Miglioretti, D. ve Lenz, F. (2000). Transcortical sensory aphasia: revisited and revised. Brain, 123(8), 1634-1642.

Bonini, M. V. & Radanovic, M. (2015). Cognitive deficits in post-stroke aphasia. Arquivos de Neuro- Psiquiatria, 73(10), 840-847.

Bullier, B., Cassoudesalle, H., Villain, M., Cogné, M., Mollo, C., De Gabory, I., Dehail, P., Joseph, P., Sibon, I. ve Glize, B. (2020). New factors that affect quality of life in patients with aphasia. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 63(1), 33-37.

Cauquil-Michon, C., Flamand-Roze, C. ve Denier, C. (2011). Borderzone strokes and transcortical aphasia. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 11(6), 570.

Code, C. & Petheram, B. (2011). Delivering for aphasia. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 13(1), 3-10.

Cruice, M., Worrall, L. ve Hickson, L. (2010). Health-related quality of life in people with aphasia: Implications for fluency disorders quality of life research. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 35(3), 173-189.

Darrigrand, B., Dutheil, S., Michelet, V., Rereau, S., Rousseaux, M. ve Mazaux, J. M. (2011). Communication impairment and activity limitation in stroke patients with severe aphasia. Disability and Rehabilitation, 33(13-14), 1169-1178.