How can I prevent aphasia or reduce my risk of developing it?

How can I prevent aphasia or reduce my risk of developing it?

Aphasia happens unpredictably, so it's not possible to prevent it. However, you can try to prevent conditions that cause it or reduce your risk of developing those conditions. Some of the things you can do include:

• Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight. Many conditions related to your circulatory and heart health, especially stroke, can damage areas of your brain, causing aphasia. Preventing stroke and similar conditions is a key way to prevent aphasia from happening or reduce your risk of developing it.
• Don’t ignore infections. Eye and ear infections need fast treatment. If these infections spread to your brain, they can become serious or even deadly, and they can cause brain damage that can lead to aphasia.
• Wear safety equipment. Head injuries can cause brain damage that leads to aphasia. Whether you're on the job or on your own time, using safety equipment can help you avoid a brain injury that can lead to aphasia. Examples of safety gear include helmets and seat belts (or other vehicle safety restraints).
• Manage your health conditions. Managing chronic conditions can help prevent other conditions that can cause brain damage and aphasia. Examples of these kinds of chronic conditions include Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy and conditions that create a risk of a blood clot that could lead to a stroke.