The NorthCap University holds talk on Neourogenic communication disorders

The NorthCap University (NCU) recently conducted a seminar by Prof. Brooke Hallowell, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, ASHA Fellow in which Neourogenic communication disorders were discussed. Prof. Hallowell delivered the lecture on speech disorders at the initiative of Dr HB Singh, Scientist, Dept of Science and Technology, Govt of India. It was attended by more than 100 faculty members of the University during which an overview of the acquired neourogenic communication disorders was presented and different types of speech disorders and the reasons for their occurrence was elaborated.

Prof. Hallowell mentioned that the communication disorders occur due to disturbance in coordination between brain and muscles or nerves responsible for speech. She explained about specific disorders viz. aphasia (loss of language ability, relative to non-linguistic cognitive abilities), apraxia of speech (a problem of motor programming of complex articulatory sequences required for speech), dysarthria (impaired innervation of the articulatory mechanism for speech), speech and language deficits associated with traumatic brain injuries, language of generalized intellectual impairment (loss of linguistic abilities associated with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia) and language confusion (temporary communication deficits associated with drug induced state, post-surgical recovery etc.).

India too has patients with such disorders. Researchers in India need to take up research on these issues. Prof. Hallowell also shared information on various research and career opportunities available in the area of ‘Neurogenic communication disorders’. She enlightened the audience about various speech disorders. Each disorder was made simple and easy to understand through video clippings. It was an educational and enriching experience for the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Brig SK Sharma (Retd), Pro Vice-Chancellor, The NorthCap University said, “Speech disorders are a common phenomenon with serious consequences. It is very necessary to understand them. The lecture by Prof. Hallowell was an eye-opener in many senses and should spur our scientists and academicians to address these societal issues.”