Exploring predictors of aphasia recovery: A 6-month follow-up study in Bengali-speaking stroke patients using the Western Aphasia Battery

This study investigated the recovery of language dysfunction in 50 consecutive stroke patients over a 6-month period, employing the Bengali adaptation of the Western Aphasia Battery (B-WAB) for language assessment. The cohort, with a mean age of 58.16 year, predominantly presented with Broca’s aphasia (36%) at the initial evaluation, and moderate aphasia was prevalent (56%). Aphasia severity was quantified using Aphasia Quotient (AQ) scores, with a mean AQ of 52.16 at the first assessment. Notably, 80% of participants exhibited ischemic strokes, and cortical stroke was the most common type (44%). Follow-up assessments revealed a statistically significant improvement in mean AQ at 6 months (63.17), with 64% demonstrating ‘some recovery,’ 8% achieving ‘complete recovery,’ and 28% exhibiting ‘no recovery.’ Improvement was most notable in single-word comprehension and repetition. Factors influencing recovery were examined, revealing that male patients experienced better recovery, and the interval between the index event and the first assessment significantly impacted outcomes. Logistic regression analysis identified AQ at first assessment and the site of stroke (cortical vs. cortico- subcortical vs. pure subcortical) as significant predictors of aphasia recovery. The study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of aphasia recovery post-stroke, emphasizing the importance of early assessment and highlighting specific factors influencing the rehabilitation process.