Training listeners to better understand speech from people with Parkinson's disease
Listener training for improved intelligibility of people with Parkinson's disease
This study is all about helping people with Parkinson's disease who have trouble speaking by teaching their family and friends how to understand them better, so everyone can enjoy better conversations and feel more connected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Logan, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176308 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving communication for individuals with Parkinson's disease who experience speech difficulties known as dysarthria. Instead of traditional speech therapy that relies on the speaker, this approach trains listeners, such as family members, to better understand and interpret the speech of those affected. By enhancing the listener's skills, the goal is to reduce social isolation and improve the quality of interactions for patients. The methodology involves targeted training sessions that leverage perceptual learning principles to help listeners adapt to the speech patterns of their loved ones.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have Parkinson's disease and experience speech intelligibility challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Parkinson's disease or those with mild speech difficulties may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance communication and social engagement for individuals with Parkinson's disease, leading to improved quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While listener-targeted approaches are less common, similar strategies in communication rehabilitation have shown promise in enhancing understanding and interaction in other populations.
Where this research is happening
Logan, United States
- Utah State University — Logan, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Borrie, Stephanie Anna — Utah State University
- Study coordinator: Borrie, Stephanie Anna
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.