As far as my wife's condition there are no drugs for it. In fact the exact opposite happens. Advice?

That's too easy. Been trying for 12 years with the best doctors. Actually genetic aphasia is a complete mystery to the people who should know.

What sorts of drugs? Ativan, specifically, can have the exact opposite effect intended in the elderly. Energizer bunny? AGITATED ENERGIZER BUNNY?! My mom was switched from ativan to haldol exactly for that reason. Medications are difficult and takes trial and error. Call her doc and ask for something else.