Influence of demographic characteristicson oral and written language in patients with aphasia

Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2026, 62(1), 26-34.

E. Shtika, K. Shtereva

Department of Logopedics, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts, Sofia University “Sv. Kliment Ohridski”

Abstract: The paper presents an empirical study aimed at analyzing the influence of key de-mographic characteristics on oral and written language abilities in individuals with aphasia. The study sample consists of 30 Bulgarian-speaking adults diagnosed with motor or mixed (sensorimotor) aphasia, assessed using the Bulgarian adaptation of the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination. Core language modalities – comprehension, oral production, reading, and writing – were examined in relation to de-mographic variables such as gender, age, education, place of residence, and place of birth. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression were applied. The results reveal a marked impairment in productive language functions (especially in spontaneous speech and writing), while receptive abilities, particularly auditory comprehension, were relatively preserved. Among all demographic variables, only educational level showed a statistically significant effect – specifically on reading performance. Gender, age, place of residence, and place of birth did not demonstrate significant influence, despite observable trends. The findings support the theory of cognitive and linguistic reserve and highlight the importance of educational experience in language recovery. The results emphasize the need for a personalized, contextually sensitive speech-language intervention tailored to the cognitive and social profile of the individual.

Key words: aphasia, demographic factors, oral and written language, cognitive reserve, speech-language assessment, language recovery, Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination

Address for correspondence: Emanuela Shtika, PhD, email: ehmarinova@uni-sofia.bg
ORCID: Emanuela Shtikа – 0000-0001-5928-6523; Katerina Shtereva – 0000-0001-8982-3625