Understanding language changes in primary progressive aphasia
Asymmetric Neurodegeneration and Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Northwestern University · NCT00537004
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Trial ID | NCT00537004 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed, native English speakers diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia who meet specific health criteria.
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.
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 performed: While this study focuses on a specific aspect of primary progressive aphasia, similar observational studies have shown promise in understanding neurodegenerative conditions.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Chicago, Illinois
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marsel Mesulam, MD — Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Elizabeth A Haynes
- Email: PPA.Research@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-503-2398
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.
Conditions: Primary Progressive Aphasia, primary progressive aphasia, frontotemporal dementia, semantic dementia, progressive nonfluent aphasia, progressive aphasia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration