Evaluating speech therapy for Primary Progressive Aphasia

Communication Bridge: Optimizing an Evidence-based Intervention for Individuals With Primary Progressive Aphasia

This study is testing if speech therapy and a special app can help adults with mild to moderate Primary Progressive Aphasia communicate better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 100 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Chicago (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
• Trial ID: NCT06191198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of two evidence-based treatments for adults with mild to moderate Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) through a randomized controlled trial design. Participants will engage in up to 20 speech therapy sessions with a licensed therapist and utilize a personalized web application called Communication Bridge to practice at home. The study aims to enhance communication abilities in individuals with PPA and involves both the participants and their care partners over a period of approximately 17 months. There are no costs associated with participation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with mild to moderate Primary Progressive Aphasia who are English speakers and have adequate hearing and vision.

Not a fit: Patients with severe PPA or those who do not meet the eligibility criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve communication abilities for patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar speech therapy approaches for aphasia, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria (person with PPA):

1. Meets diagnostic criteria for PPA based on neurologist and supporting medical assessments (extracted from medical records)
2. English as primary language used in daily communication activities (by self-report)
3. Adequate hearing (aided or unaided) for communicating with others in a crowded room (by self-report)
4. Adequate vision (aided or unaided) for reading a newspaper, or other functional materials (by self-report)
5. Able to pass technology screening and demonstrates sufficient knowledge for use of video conference and Communication Bridge™ web application use (with or without training)
6. Geriatric Depression Scale score ≤ 9
7. Mild-moderate PPA informed by a structured interview with a speech-language pathologist and a standardized testing battery.

Inclusion Criteria (Co-enrolled communication partner):

1. 18+ years of age
2. English as primary language used in daily communication activities (by self-report)
3. Adequate hearing (aided or unaided) for communicating with others in a crowded room (by self-report)
4. Able to pass technology screening\* and demonstrates sufficient knowledge for use of video conference and Communication Bridge™ web application use (with or without training)

Exclusion Criteria:

* A dementia diagnosis other than Primary Progressive Aphasia
* Participation is co-enrolled in an outside speech language therapy program during the study course.
* Communication partners will be excluded if they have a pre-existing communication impairment that would affect study participation (e.g., aphasia, dementia)

Medical records will be requested and reviewed to determine eligibility

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

• University of Chicago - American School Building — Chicago, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Emily Roglaski, PhD — Professor of Neurology
• Study coordinator: Matthew Bona, MPH

Conditions Primary Progressive Aphasia; Aphasia; Dementia; Communication; Frontotemporal Dementia; Alzheimer Disease