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.
Klein
Reva B
RB
Boston University School of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts 02130, USA. RevaBKlein@Boston.VA.gov
Albert
Martin L
ML
D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001037:Aphasia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012701:Serotonin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002395:Catecholamines; D012701:Serotonin; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000109:Acetylcholine; D004298:Dopamine; D009638:Norepinephrine