Alexia

Abstract

Alexia is a term describing a partial or complete inability to read. There are a number of different subtypes of alexia, but all have in common the feature that the affected patient cannot read normally, so that reading is slow or impossible, and comprehension is impaired. Stroke is the most common cause of acquired alexia, though other forms of neurological disease can also cause alexia. Alexia is associated with lesions that disconnect both visual association cortices from the dominant, language-related temporoparietal cortices. Treatment for alexia includes attempts to increase speed and accuracy of letter-by-letter reading and whole word recognition. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.