Understanding how math skills relate to language processing in the brain
Official title: Neural Basis of Math and Aphasia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11001561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how math skills and language are connected in the brain, especially for people who have had strokes and may struggle with speaking or doing math, to help find better ways to support them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,538 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DC020370-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced left-hemisphere strokes resulting in language and math processing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or do not have language processing disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural connections between math skills and language processing, particularly focusing on how precise numeracy is linked to language areas in the brain. By using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging, the study aims to analyze brain lesions in individuals who have experienced strokes. The goal is to uncover how these brain regions interact and how disorders like aphasia and acalculia affect mathematical abilities. This research could provide insights into the cognitive processes involved in math and language, potentially leading to better therapeutic strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of cognitive disorders and improve rehabilitation strategies for patients with aphasia and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the interaction between math and language processing is a relatively novel area of research, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding cognitive functions through brain imaging techniques.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duricy, Erin — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Duricy, Erin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Neural signals linked to recovery from aphasia after stroke
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Bilingualism and language resilience in Hispanic people with primary progressive aphasia
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Functional reorganization of language and general brain networks in aphasia
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-
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.