A British grandmother recovering from a stroke has surprised her family by speaking with an Italian accent, a condition that doctors attribute to rare neurological changes. Althia Bryden, 58, says the unexpected shift has left her feeling disconnected from her identity.
Bryden’s stroke in May initially left her nonverbal and partially paralyzed. When her ability to speak returned, it came with a sudden Italian inflection that puzzled her family. Phrases like “Mamma Mia” have become a part of her conversations, leaving loved ones both shocked and amused.
Medical experts believe Bryden may have foreign accent syndrome, a rare disorder that can emerge after strokes or brain injuries. The condition impacts speech patterns, causing individuals to sound like they are from regions they have never visited.
Bryden described the emotional toll, saying, “Everything is different, even my body language.” She finds it hard to reconcile her current voice with her former self, adding that her interactions with others now feel unfamiliar.
The stroke, caused by a blockage in her carotid artery, required significant rehabilitation and surgery in July. While her physical recovery has progressed, the unexpected accent remains.
Doctors are continuing to study her case, noting the rarity of foreign accent syndrome as they explore treatment options for her condition.
