Dynamic brain imaging of speech in progressive aphasia
Official title: Dynamic Brain Imaging of Speech in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10985021 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study test uses advanced brain imaging to understand how speech changes in people with primary progressive aphasia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $797,931 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS100440-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985021 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (any variant) who can undergo MEG and MRI procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PPA or those unable to participate in MEG/MRI may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) combined with structural MRI and diffusion MRI to map brain activity and connections as speech abilities decline in PPA. It builds on prior work showing different brain patterns across PPA variants and aims to uncover the neural circuits that go wrong. The researchers will apply machine learning and cognitive language tests to link brain signals with speech symptoms, with the goal of informing better behavioral or neuromodulatory interventions. By focusing on resting-state and task-based imaging, the study seeks mechanistic insights that could guide future therapies for PPA patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more targeted therapies or interventions to preserve speech in people with PPA.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown variant-specific brain activity patterns in PPA, and this renewal aims to deepen mechanistic understanding with advanced imaging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagarajan, Srikantan S. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Nagarajan, Srikantan S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Communication Bridge: Improving language therapy for people with primary progressive aphasia
A proven language-therapy program called Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia improve and maintain how they communicate with others.
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Bilingualism and language resilience in Hispanic people with primary progressive aphasia
Researchers compare different bilingual experiences to see how they relate to language decline and thinking skills in Hispanic adults with primary progressive aphasia.
-
Communication Bridge helps people with primary progressive aphasia talk more clearly
Aimed at people with primary progressive aphasia, this project tests a speech-language and psychosocial program delivered by telepractice to improve daily communication and quality of life.
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Transcranial current therapy for language in progressive aphasia
A world-class team is testing a painless brain-stimulation method to help people with primary progressive aphasia say more words and names.
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Improving communication support for people with primary progressive aphasia
This project improves and delivers an evidence-based speech and communication program to help people with primary progressive aphasia and their care partners, including through telehealth.
-
Restoring speech with a brain implant for stroke-related aphasia
A study at UC Davis aims to help people who have language trouble after a stroke by using a tiny brain implant to turn brain signals into spoken words.
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.