What is alexia?

Alexia is a language disorder characterized by the inability to read or understand written words, despite normal vision and intelligence. It is typically caused by brain damage to the areas of the brain responsible for language processing, such as the left hemisphere of the brain.

There are two main types of alexia: acquired alexia, which occurs as a result of brain injury or trauma, and developmental alexia, which is present from birth or early childhood. Acquired alexia can result from conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

People with alexia may have difficulty recognizing letters, words, or sentences, and may struggle with tasks like reading aloud, understanding written instructions, or comprehending written information. Treatment for alexia typically involves speech therapy and language rehabilitation to help improve reading and language skills.

Overall, alexia is a complex disorder that can significantly impact a person's ability to communicate and navigate daily tasks that involve reading and understanding written language.