Strokes are not only deadly, but they can lead to a lifetime of cognitive issues. Out of 12,000 Veterans admitted for strokes at VA facilities every year, 20-35 percent develop aphasia, a language disorder than can impair the recollection of words or render a victim unable to speak, read, or write.
Now, a program at the Pittsburgh VA Healthcare System has been developed to help combat the degenerative effects of aphasia. So far, 39 Veterans have gone through the Program for Intensive Residential Aphasia Treatment and Education (PIRATE). The program is notable for its one-on-one therapy sessions instead of group therapy. The intensive treatment packs five six-hour sessions with a speech pathologist into one month. Normally, that amount of treatment would take place in a year.
PIRATE shows promise for those who’ve had their cognitive abilities curtailed by stroke. Check out the program website to learn more, and if you or someone you know would benefit from treatment, get in touch with the PIRATE team to get on the list.
Topics in this story
More Stories
VA will now publish the amount of money it's legally obligated to pay to VA-accredited attorneys and claim agents assisting Veterans with disability claims.
A new ruling limits the circumstances for apportionment of compensation, pension and DIC benefits, and will stop making need-based apportionments going forward.
VA has announced an amendment to the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, Family SGLI, and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance Accelerated Benefit Option regulation.
I just heard about PIRATE and will be involved more. Thank you for all your information. Will bookmark this page!