Understanding communication in people with ALS
Official title: Evaluating Verbal Communication in Structured Interactions: Theoretical and Clinical Implications
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11047672 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how people with ALS talk during conversations to better understand the communication difficulties they and their caregivers face, with the goal of finding ways to help improve their ability to communicate as the disease progresses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $622,059 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021714-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047672 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis who experience communication difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with communication disorders unrelated to ALS may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) communicate during structured interactions. It aims to enhance our understanding of communication challenges faced by people with ALS and their caregivers. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to develop clinical interventions that can improve verbal communication despite the progressive nature of the disease. The approach includes analyzing conversations at various levels of language structure to identify effective strategies for supporting communication.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved communication strategies for patients with ALS, enhancing their quality of life and interactions with caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding communication disorders, but this specific approach focusing on ALS is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olmstead, Anne — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Olmstead, Anne
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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.