Semantic rehabilitation for patients with primary progressive semantic aphasia
Evaluation of the Effect of a Semantic Rehabilitation in Patients in the Mild to Moderate Stage of Primary Progressive Semantic Aphasia : a SCED Study
This study is testing a personalized speech therapy program to see if it can help people with primary progressive semantic aphasia improve their understanding and use of words.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Toulouse Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toulouse) |
| Trial ID | NCT04957537 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized semantic rehabilitation protocol for patients diagnosed with primary progressive semantic aphasia (PPA). The study utilizes the Single Case Experimental Design (SCED) methodology to analyze individual responses to therapy, focusing on improving access to concepts, word memory, and meaning. Given the lack of effective pharmacological treatments for this condition, the study emphasizes the importance of tailored speech and language therapy to enhance patients' quality of life. The approach is based on previous findings that suggest personalized therapy can lead to better retention and generalization of relearned knowledge.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old diagnosed with mild to moderate primary progressive semantic aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients with significant uncorrected sensory impairments, severe psychiatric disorders, or those unable to participate due to motor or comprehension issues 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 patients suffering from primary progressive semantic aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: While semantic rehabilitation has shown effectiveness in other types of aphasia, studies specifically targeting primary progressive semantic aphasia are limited and may present methodological challenges.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have a diagnosis of primary progressive semantic aphasia according to the criteria of Gorno-Tempini et al (2011) (Appendix A) * Being in the mild to moderate stage of dementia (MMSE score between 10 and 28) (Crum et al., 1993; Derouesné et al., 1999) * Common French * Being affiliated to a social security scheme * Being over the age of 18 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Have significant uncorrected visual and/or hearing impairment * Have a history of brain injuries, major head trauma * Have untreated psychiatric disorders * Have significant motor and/or comprehension problems that make it impossible to take part in the study * Chronical use of drugs and/or alcohol * Under guardians or curators * Severe depression (Beck's depression scale score \> 9) (Beck \& al., 1961)
Where this trial is running
Toulouse
- CHU Toulouse — Toulouse, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jérémie PARIENTE, MD PhD — University Hospital, Toulouse
- Study coordinator: Jérémie PARIENTE, MD PhD
- Email: pariente.j@chu-toulouse.fr
- Phone: 0561777686
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.