can you develop dyslexia

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

17-03-2025

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Can you develop dyslexia later in life? The short answer is yes, but it's not the same as the developmental dyslexia that typically appears in childhood. Instead, it's referred to as acquired dyslexia, and it arises from brain injury or disease. This article delves into the difference between developmental and acquired dyslexia, exploring the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for acquired dyslexia.

Developmental vs. Acquired Dyslexia: Key Differences

Developmental dyslexia, often simply called dyslexia, is a neurodevelopmental disorder present from birth or early childhood. It affects reading and spelling abilities, impacting the brain's processing of phonological information—the sounds of language. This type of dyslexia is lifelong but can be managed with appropriate support and intervention.

Acquired dyslexia, also known as alexia, is a different story. It's not a developmental condition but rather a neurological condition resulting from damage to the brain after the reading skills were already established. This damage can stem from various causes, leading to difficulties with reading that weren't previously present.

Causes of Acquired Dyslexia

Several factors can cause acquired dyslexia. The most common causes include:

• Stroke: This is one of the leading causes, disrupting blood flow to areas of the brain critical for reading.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A head injury, such as from a car accident or a fall, can damage the brain regions involved in reading.
• Brain Tumors: Tumors pressing on areas responsible for language processing can also impair reading skills.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Conditions like Alzheimer's disease or dementia progressively damage brain cells, eventually impacting cognitive functions, including reading.
• Infections: Certain infections that affect the brain can lead to acquired dyslexia.

Symptoms of Acquired Dyslexia

Symptoms of acquired dyslexia vary depending on the location and extent of the brain damage. However, common symptoms include:

• Difficulty reading aloud: Struggling to pronounce words correctly or fluently.
• Problems with word recognition: Misreading words or substituting similar-looking words.
• Slow reading speed: Significantly slower reading pace compared to pre-injury levels.
• Trouble with spelling: Difficulties with spelling words accurately.
• Impaired reading comprehension: Difficulty understanding what is being read, even if individual words are recognized.
• Visual difficulties with reading: Trouble with identifying letters or words, or experiencing visual distortions.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Acquired Dyslexia

Diagnosing acquired dyslexia usually involves a comprehensive neurological examination, including neuropsychological testing. This assesses various cognitive abilities related to language and reading. Brain imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans may also be used to identify the location and extent of the brain damage.

Treatment for acquired dyslexia focuses on rehabilitation and compensatory strategies. These may include:

• Speech-language therapy: Helps retrain reading skills and improve word recognition.
• Occupational therapy: Focuses on adapting reading strategies to compensate for difficulties.
• Pharmacological interventions: Medications may be used to treat underlying conditions or manage symptoms.
• Assistive technology: Using devices like text-to-speech software or magnification aids can improve reading accessibility.

The prognosis for acquired dyslexia varies greatly depending on the cause, severity of the brain damage, and the individual's motivation and engagement in therapy. While a complete recovery may not always be possible, significant improvements in reading skills are often achievable through targeted interventions.

Living with Acquired Dyslexia

Coping with acquired dyslexia requires patience, perseverance, and a supportive environment. Individuals may need to adapt their daily routines and seek assistance with tasks that involve reading. Support groups and resources from organizations specializing in brain injury or acquired language disorders can provide valuable information and emotional support. Remember, early intervention and consistent therapeutic support are crucial for maximizing recovery.

It’s crucial to remember that while you cannot develop dyslexia in the same way as developmental dyslexia, you can acquire difficulties with reading due to brain injury or disease. Understanding the differences between these conditions is vital for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If you experience sudden difficulties with reading following a brain injury or illness, seek professional medical attention immediately.