Communication Bridge: improving communication for people with primary progressive aphasia
Communication Bridge: Optimizing an evidence-based intervention for individuals with primary progressive aphasia
We are trying a speech and caregiver-focused program delivered by telepractice to help people living with primary progressive aphasia communicate better in everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174374 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project refines the Communication Bridge speech-language and psychosocial program for people with primary progressive aphasia and their care partners. The team delivers the intervention remotely via telepractice and uses randomized trial methods to compare outcomes and optimize treatment stages. The program is individualized, focusing on real-world communication, social participation, and strategies for caregivers. The aim is to make benefits durable and ready for broader clinical use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia, including cases related to Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal degeneration, are the primary candidates for this work.
Not a fit: People without PPA or those with very advanced dementia and minimal ability to participate in communication-focused therapy are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve everyday communication, social participation, and quality of life for people with PPA and reduce caregiver burden.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier Communication Bridge trials (CB1 and CB2) demonstrated that telepractice delivery is feasible and produced maintained functional communication gains, so this builds on promising prior results.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogalski, Emily J — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rogalski, Emily J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.