Improving language skills in people with aphasia

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• University of Arizona
  Tucson, Arizona, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Aneta Kielar, PhD — University of Arizona
• Study coordinator: Aneta Kielar, PhD
• Email: akielar@email.arizona.edu
• Phone: 15204883791

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Effects of speech-language intervention on bilingual speakers with primary progressive aphasia

  This study tests if special speech therapy designed for bilingual people can help those with primary progressive aphasia communicate better in both of their languages.

  Recruiting at 2 sites University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas and 2 other locations · NCT05741853

• Stimulating the aging brain with brain and sensory stimulation for language), wait

  This study tests whether transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and multisensory stimulation can improve verbal short-term memory in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

  Recruiting Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee, Wisconsin · NCT07650188

• New tools to measure language, gestures, and everyday communication in people with aphasia

  This project will test new ways to measure language, gestures, and everyday communication skills in adults with aphasia after stroke.

  Recruiting IRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy · Venice, VE · NCT07518576

• High-intensity exercise to improve recovery after post-stroke aphasia

  This tests whether a 12-week high-intensity group exercise program helps people with post-stroke aphasia improve physical fitness, language, thinking, and mood compared with low-intensity exercise.

  Recruiting at 4 sites University of California, Berkeley · Berkeley, California and 3 other locations · NCT07281313

• Semantic Feature Analysis with versus without Metacognitive Strategy Training for adults with aphasia

  This trial will test whether adding metacognitive strategy training to semantic feature analysis helps adults with acquired aphasia name pictures more accurately and speak with more informative content.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Teachers College, Columbia University · New York, New York · NCT07036406

• Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Language Therapy to Improve Mild Aphasia

  This study is testing whether combining brain stimulation with speech therapy can help people with mild aphasia after a stroke improve their speaking and understanding skills.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · NCT06842745

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.