Mapping brain function to understand recovery from aphasia after stroke
Official title: Functional anomaly mapping of aphasia recovery
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-10896310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a stroke affects the brain's ability to communicate, especially for those with aphasia, by using a new technique to see which parts of the brain aren't working well, so we can better understand how to help with recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00DC018828-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a left-hemisphere stroke resulting in aphasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or those with aphasia due to causes other than stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain function changes after a stroke that causes aphasia, a condition that affects communication. It uses a novel machine learning technique called functional anomaly mapping (FAM) to analyze brain activity through resting BOLD functional MRI scans. By identifying areas of the brain that are not functioning properly, the study aims to understand how these dysfunctions impact recovery from aphasia. This approach goes beyond traditional methods by considering both direct and indirect effects of stroke on brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for rehabilitation and recovery for patients with aphasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding brain function through advanced imaging techniques can significantly enhance recovery strategies, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demarco, Andrew T — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Demarco, Andrew T
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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Neural signals linked to recovery from aphasia after stroke
This grant follows people who recently had a stroke and aphasia to understand why some recover language abilities better than others.
-
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.
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Functional reorganization of language and general brain networks in aphasia
This project studies how language areas and general brain networks work together to help people recover language after a stroke, by looking at brain activity and responses to language tasks.
-
eSANA: revealing and improving AAC use after stroke for aphasia
A project to explore how people with aphasia after a stroke can best use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) during early rehabilitation.
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Cortical Organization of Syntax in Aphasia
A patient-facing study to understand how brain injury affects sentence structure and help people with aphasia communicate more clearly.
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.