Improving word-finding skills in people with aphasia using different treatment approaches
Official title: Optimizing and understanding semantic feature analysis treatment for aphasia: A randomized controlled comparative-effectiveness trial
Funded at Veterans Health Foundation · NIH-10688141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different ways of thinking about words can help people with aphasia improve their ability to name things, by comparing two groups: one that thinks of lots of details about each word and another that thinks of just a few, all while getting supportive treatment over five weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $460,119 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC017475-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10688141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aphasia, particularly those experiencing word-finding difficulties.
✕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 varying the number of semantic features that individuals with aphasia generate during treatment affects their ability to find words. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one will generate many features for each word, while the other will generate fewer features. Over five weeks, participants will receive intensive treatment and undergo assessments to evaluate their progress in naming pictures. This approach aims to determine which method is more effective in enhancing communication skills for those with aphasia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for individuals with aphasia, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using semantic feature analysis for aphasia treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hula, William D. — Veterans Health Foundation
- Study coordinator: Hula, William D.
Related research
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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.