Can Drug Therapies Improve Language Functions of Individuals with Aphasia? A Review of the Evidence

The neurochemistry of language and the neuropharmacology of aphasia are two domains of cognitive neuroscience still in their infancy. In this article we review what is known about these two domains, especially with regard to treating aphasia with drugs. Selected neurotransmitters can improve language function in certain patients with aphasia. We discuss which neurotransmitters work for which language functions in which patients, and why.

Neurochemistry of language - neuropharmacology of aphasia - neuroanatomy of language - recovery of function - pharmacotherapy of aphasia - neurotransmitters - catecholamines - dopamine - norepinephrine - amphetamines - acetylcholine - GABA

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