Case series, neuroscience-infused, computational neuropsychology will play a crucial role in the future of aphasiology. Commentary on Laine and Martin, 'Cognitive neuropsychology has been, is, and will be significant to aphasiology'

摘要

In their target article, Laine and Martin (2012) summarise some of the crucial features and history of single case cognitive neuropsychology and its importance for the past and future of aphasiology. This is a timely topic for at least two reasons: First, it follows more general discussions on the role of single case versus case series approaches to neuropsychology (we refer the reader to these in-depth and thoughtful pieces, see Lambon Ralph, Moriarty, & Sage, 2002; Lambon Ralph, Patterson, & Plaut, 2011; Patterson & Plaut, 2009; Schwartz & Dell, 2011); second, Laine and Martin have brought the focus of the topic to aphasia more specifically. We consider this latter step to be an important one because it allows a discussion not only of the role of cognitive neuropsychology in understanding of the nature and neural basis of acquired language impairments, but also of improving the efficacy of the interventions we can offer patients with aphasia. Our brief commentary is therefore organised into two parts reflecting these dual themes.