Improving communication support for people with primary progressive aphasia
Communication Bridge: Optimizing an evidence-based intervention for individuals 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.
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-11398724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive a staged speech-language and psychosocial program called Communication Bridge, delivered in sessions that can be done in person or by telehealth. Some participants are randomly assigned to different versions so researchers can compare which approaches work best for everyday communication. The team measures functional communication, social participation, and quality of life, with follow-ups to see if gains last over time. Earlier phases showed telepractice is feasible and produced maintained improvements, and this work refines and prepares the program for wider use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their communication partners, typically in early to moderate stages and able to take part in speech-language sessions in person or via telehealth.
Not a fit: People with very advanced, nonverbal PPA, severe medical or cognitive conditions that prevent participation, or without access to required telehealth technology may not receive benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve everyday communication, social participation, and quality of life for people with PPA and provide practical strategies for their care partners.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier Communication Bridge trials (CB1 and CB2) demonstrated feasibility of telepractice delivery and showed maintained gains in functional communication at six months, so this work builds on promising 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.