Clinical Implications of Neurocognitive Control Deficits in Bilingual Adults With Aphasia

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to review the literature on the neurocognitive control in bilingual aphasia and extrapolate research findings into clinical guidelines. Neurocognitive control, as well as bilingualism, are multifaceted phenomena whose complex interaction is disrupted by stroke. Bilingualism is an added factor of complexity to aphasia assessment and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation specialists are more aware of the need to understand language and nonverbal cognitive abilities, for a better treatment outcome (Ansaldo, Saidi, Ruiz, 2010; Green, 2005; Helm-Estabrooks, 2002). Consequently, assessment and management of neurocognitive skills in bilingual aphasia are gradually gaining momentum. Applying principles from language-cognitive control interactions to the rehabilitation of bilingual populations with aphasia appears to be a valuable intervention strategy for this population.