Understanding how people with aphasia generate word meanings
Official title: The neurocognitive mechanisms underlying semantic feature generation in persons with aphasia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10998199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with aphasia can improve their ability to find and say words by exploring the meanings behind them, using a special method called Semantic Feature Analysis, and it aims to better understand how the brain works during this process to help create better treatments for those with this communication challenge.
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 | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DC021613-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with aphasia.
✕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 the cognitive processes involved in generating semantic features for word production in individuals with aphasia, a communication disorder affecting millions. It utilizes Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA), a treatment designed to enhance spoken word production by helping patients articulate related meanings of words. The study aims to explore the brain networks involved in this process using advanced imaging techniques to understand how different semantic models influence word generation. By identifying the underlying mechanisms, the research seeks to improve therapeutic approaches for those affected by aphasia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for improving communication abilities in individuals with aphasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar approaches in understanding cognitive mechanisms in language disorders, suggesting potential for impactful findings in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swiderski, Alexander — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Swiderski, Alexander
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.