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Enhancing Language Function in Aphasia

Sponsored by University of Arizona

About this study

Aphasia is an acquired impairment of language, that commonly results from damage to language areas in the brain (typically the left side of the brain). This impairment is seen in many aspects of language, including understanding, speaking, reading and writing. It is estimated that about 2 million individuals are currently living with aphasia in the United States. Further, about 200,000 Americans acquire aphasia every year (National Aphasia Association, 2020). Aphasia poses significant impact on the affected individuals and their families. Behavioral treatments that target language deficits have been shown to enhance overall communication skills and life satisfaction among individuals with aphasia. Although there is evidence that suggests that treatment is efficacious for individuals with aphasia, the extent of improvement long-term coupled with the neural patterns among those individuals are largely unknown. The current study aims to investigate the efficacy of language-based treatment and its corresponding neural patterns.

The purpose of this study is to develop semantic-based treatment to address language deficits in individuals with acquired language disorders. We propose to develop an individually optimized semantic-based protocol for strategy implementation and word finding facilitation among individuals with language disorders. Phase 1: Following screening, participants who fulfill the inclusion criteria and have consented to participate in the study will undergo baseline cognitive and language assessment, electroencephalography (EEG) recording and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Participants with language disorders will proceed to the following phases. Phase 2: After baseline assessment, participants will undergo individualized language treatment in which they will learn semantically- or p…

Where this study is enrolling

Who can participate

Inclusion criteria

  • ✓1. Present with speech-language impairment (aphasia) caused by stroke or dementia
  • ✓2. A medical diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) by a neurologist or physician
  • ✓3. Are native speakers of English
  • ✓4. Present with no contraindications for MRI
  • ✓5. Have adequate (normal or corrected to normal) vision and hearing

Exclusion criteria

  • ✕1. Individuals diagnosed with mood, anxiety, psychotic or substance abuse disorders.
  • ✕2. Individuals with highly magnetizable metallic implants, including certain dental work, may be excluded due to image quality in MRI.
  • ✕3. Individuals with other neurological disorders besides the ones of interest for the study (e.g., epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease)
  • ✕4. Individuals with contraindications for MRI. This includes but is not limited to pacemakers, metallic cardiac pumps, valves, magnetic materials such as surgical clips, implanted electronic perfusion pumps, or any other condition that would preclude proximity to a strong magnetic field.
  • ✕5. Individuals suffering from clinically significant claustrophobia
  • ✕6. Severe systemic disease (e.g., renal failure)
  • ✕7. Poor overall health
  • ✕8. Individuals who are pregnant
  • ✕9. Individuals with a history of epileptic activity in the past 12 months
  • ✕10. Individuals with a personal or family history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders will not be included in the study.
  • ✕11. Individuals who have had a brain surgery in the past
  • ✕12. Individuals with implanted metallic skull plates or intracranial implants
  • ✕13. Individuals with skin lesions or skull damage
  • ✕14. Individuals who have a history of excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • ✕15. Individuals with premorbid psychiatric disease affecting communication
  • ✕16. Individuals with severe non-linguistic cognitive disturbances impeding language therapy

Only the research team can confirm whether you qualify. The intake questionnaire is the best way to find out.

Completing a questionnaire on Clinably does not enroll you in a clinical trial or confirm your eligibility. Only the research team can determine whether you qualify to participate. These results are based on the information you provide and are intended to help you start a conversation with the research team.

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.