Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational

Understanding language changes in primary progressive aphasia

Official title: Asymmetric Neurodegeneration and Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia

Run by Northwestern University · NCT00537004 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to understand how language skills change in people with primary progressive aphasia to help raise awareness and support future treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
SexAll
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SponsorNorthwestern University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 2007
Main results expectedApril 2027
Study endsApril 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT00537004 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are right-handed, native English speakers diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia who meet specific health criteria.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are left-handed, claustrophobic, or have significant medical illnesses that could interfere with participation 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 study investigates the neurological and linguistic decline in individuals diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Participants will undergo a series of assessments including neuropsychological testing, advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET, and various cognitive experiments. The goal is to enhance awareness of PPA, educate the public about this disorder, and promote further research aimed at developing potential therapies. Participants may be invited to return every two years for follow-up assessments.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential therapies for patients with primary progressive aphasia.

How similar studies have gone: While this study focuses on a specific aspect of primary progressive aphasia, similar observational studies have shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative conditions.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia
* Right-handed
* Native English speaker
* Visual acuity of 20/30 corrected
* Adequate hearing to follow conversation
* Safe for an MRI scan

Exclusion Criteria:

* Left-handedness
* Claustrophobia
* Presence of significant medical illness that initially or in the future could interfere with continued participation in the study

Where it's running

  • Northwestern University
    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.