Examining how communication affects ALS patients and their caregivers
Official title: Examining Interactions Between Persons With ALS and Caregivers
Run by Penn State University · NCT06819124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how different ways of talking can help ALS patients communicate better with their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 152 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2029 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06819124 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with ALS who can produce single words and have no cognitive impairments.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other neurological conditions or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While similar studies have explored communication in ALS, this specific approach focusing on interactive tasks is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.