Examining how communication affects ALS patients and their caregivers
Examining Interactions Between Persons With ALS and Caregivers
This study is testing how different ways of talking can help ALS patients communicate better with their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 152 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06819124 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of communicative interaction on verbal communication in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers. Participants will engage in structured and unstructured interactive tasks over two weeks, completing a collaborative word-matching task daily. The study aims to analyze speech produced by ALS patients when interacting with familiar caregivers and to observe changes in speech production over time. Data will be collected using tablets and audio recording devices in participants' homes, with protocols explained via videoconferencing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with ALS who can produce single words and have no cognitive impairments.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological conditions or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance communication strategies for ALS patients, improving their interaction with caregivers.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored communication in ALS, this specific approach focusing on interactive tasks is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Speakers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (PALS-people with ALS) * diagnosis of ALS following the revised EL Escorial criteria * no history of other neurological conditions (e.g., stroke) * no cognitive impairment assessed by Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment (mini MoCA) * detectable speech disturbance according to the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) * the ability to produce single words * being a native speaker of American English (AE). Caregivers * being a caregiver of a participant with ALS * being a native speaker of American English (AE). Exclusion Criteria: \- None - if volunteer meets the inclusion criteria, then they will be enrolled
Where this trial is running
University Park, Pennsylvania
- Speech Core, Pennsylvania State University — University Park, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jimin Lee, Ph.D. — Penn State University
- Study coordinator: Anne Olmstead, Ph.D.
- Email: ajo150@psu.edu
- Phone: 814-867-3373
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.