BACKGROUND: one of the most widely delineations used in epidemiological research is the cross-sectional study. It consists of a very useful tool for describing characteristics of the population and identifying risk groups. Considering aphasia as a disintegration of language, it is necessary to understand the dissociations and relevant commitments. PURPOSE: to analyze epidemiological studies that analyzed cross-sectional changes in adult aphasic patients in order to investigate their main manifestations. CONCLUSION: the cross-sectional studies show ways to understand how this change in health covers signs and symptoms. Whereas the language, for being a privileged mean of communication for the aphasic people, the loss of this instrument becomes a source of isolation and loneliness. Thus, the identification of individuals with aphasia may contribute to accurate diagnosis, confirming the understanding of speech pathology findings on language and assisting in the rehabilitation. But, these scientific evidences should be effected at all longitudinal studies in order to support the creation of new techniques and strategies for recovering the injured brain, favoring the improvement of communication and in consequence the interactivity.