Improving language skills in people with aphasia

Enhancing Language Function in Aphasia Using Behavioral Language Intervention

This study is testing a new language treatment for people with aphasia to see if it helps them improve their speaking and understanding skills.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 21 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Arizona (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Tucson, Arizona)
• Trial ID: NCT05443633 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on developing a semantic-based treatment protocol aimed at enhancing language function in individuals with acquired language disorders, particularly aphasia. Participants will undergo a series of assessments including cognitive and language evaluations, EEG recordings, and MRI scans before and after receiving individualized language treatment. The treatment will involve strategies to improve word finding, sentence formulation, and narrative skills, administered twice a week over a 10-week period. The study aims to evaluate both short-term behavioral improvements and changes in neural patterns associated with language processing.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with speech-language impairments due to stroke or primary progressive aphasia who are native English speakers.

Not a fit: Patients with mood disorders, other neurological conditions, or contraindications for MRI may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve communication abilities and quality of life for individuals suffering from aphasia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that behavioral treatments can enhance communication skills in individuals with aphasia, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Present with speech-language impairment (aphasia) caused by stroke or dementia
2. A medical diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia (PPA) by a neurologist or physician
3. Are native speakers of English
4. Present with no contraindications for MRI
5. Have adequate (normal or corrected to normal) vision and hearing

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals diagnosed with mood, anxiety, psychotic or substance abuse disorders.
2. Individuals with highly magnetizable metallic implants, including certain dental work, may be excluded due to image quality in MRI.
3. Individuals with other neurological disorders besides the ones of interest for the study (e.g., epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease)
4. Individuals with contraindications for MRI. This includes but is not limited to pacemakers, metallic cardiac pumps, valves, magnetic materials such as surgical clips, implanted electronic perfusion pumps, or any other condition that would preclude proximity to a strong magnetic field.
5. Individuals suffering from clinically significant claustrophobia
6. Severe systemic disease (e.g., renal failure)
7. Poor overall health
8. Individuals who are pregnant
9. Individuals with a history of epileptic activity in the past 12 months
10. Individuals with a personal or family history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders will not be included in the study.
11. Individuals who have had a brain surgery in the past
12. Individuals with implanted metallic skull plates or intracranial implants
13. Individuals with skin lesions or skull damage
14. Individuals who have a history of excessive use of alcohol or drugs
15. Individuals with premorbid psychiatric disease affecting communication
16. Individuals with severe non-linguistic cognitive disturbances impeding language therapy

Where this trial is running

Tucson, Arizona

• University of Arizona — Tucson, Arizona, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Aneta Kielar, PhD — University of Arizona
• Study coordinator: Aneta Kielar, PhD

Conditions: Aphasia, Acquired, Language Disorders, Primary Progressive Aphasia, Stroke, Cerebrovascular