Improving communication for people with aphasia using brain-computer interfaces
Official title: Assessing semantic encoding and decoding models in stroke-induced aphasia
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11070609 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how brain-computer interfaces can help people with aphasia communicate better by using their brain activity, and it involves both individuals with aphasia and healthy volunteers to make sure the technology meets everyone's needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,408 |
| NIH project number | 1F32DC022178-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070609 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aphasia, particularly those who have difficulty with speech production.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have aphasia or those with severe cognitive impairments unrelated to language may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can help individuals with aphasia, a condition that makes it difficult to express thoughts in language. The project aims to adapt existing methods for decoding speech from brain activity to better suit those with aphasia, without requiring prior language training. Participants will include both individuals with aphasia and neurologically healthy individuals, and the study will utilize functional MRI to understand brain responses to speech and stories. Additionally, the research will involve people with aphasia in the design process of these BCIs to ensure their needs are met.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance communication abilities for individuals with aphasia, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have shown promise in neurologically healthy individuals, this research aims to explore untested adaptations specifically for those with aphasia.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Jerry — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Tang, Jerry
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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Predicting language recovery after stroke using AI
A new AI-based project uses brain scans and personal data to forecast how aphasia may progress after a stroke, with the goal of guiding personalized treatment.
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Neural signals of getting speech back after stroke
This grant studies how the brain changes as people recover speech after a stroke, to help predict and improve language recovery.
-
How the brain recovers language after a stroke
This research follows people with aphasia after stroke to find brain and behavior signs that predict who will regain speech and language.
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.