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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 2007 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT00537004 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
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Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marsel Mesulam, MD — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth A Haynes
- Email: PPA.Research@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-503-2398
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
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Educational support program for bilingual individuals with progressive aphasia and their caregivers
This study is testing a support program for bilingual people with progressive aphasia and their caregivers to see if it helps them communicate better and cope with the challenges of the condition.
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Evaluating speech therapy for Primary Progressive Aphasia
This study is testing if speech therapy and a special app can help adults with mild to moderate Primary Progressive Aphasia communicate better.
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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.
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Improving language skills in people with aphasia
This study is testing a new language treatment for people with aphasia to see if it helps them improve their speaking and understanding skills.
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.