Research Study Listings

Below is a list of active research studies that have been submitted by researchers to the NAA research portal. If you are a researcher interested in having your study listed below, please submit a request.


If you are looking for a full list of clinical trials, visit clinicaltrials.gov

Investigating Music Listening as a mechanism to improve attention and language in aphasia

The Acquired Brain Injury Communication and Cognition (ABC) Lab at Purdue University is recruiting people with aphasia to take part in a study that explores whether listening to music can be used to treat language and attention difficulties. Participants will have their attention and language assessed before and after they listen to happy, sad, or no classical music for 10 minutes.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We are recruiting people with aphasia to have their attention and language abilities tested before and after listening to happy, sad or no classical music for 10 minutes. This study is offered virtually or at the ABC Lab in West Lafayette, Indiana.

City:
West Lafayette
State:
Indiana
Start Date:
December 1, 2023
End Date:
November 30, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Rare Dementia Support Impact Study

Digital Access Survey for people living with PPA The Rare Dementia Support Impact (RDSImpact) study led from the UCL Dementia Research Centre, in part, aims to produce tailored online interventions for individuals living with the rarer dementia PPA. We are currently recruiting healthcare professionals who are familiar with the lived experience of people affected by PPA, to complete a short online survey on your impressions of digital access capabilities and needs for individuals with these conditions. Individuals affected by these conditions seldom receive high-quality tailored support and your participation will greatly help us in our attempt to develop such tools. Please email: o.hayes.20@ucl.ac.uk to receive a link for completion, or if you have any questions that you would like answering before participating. If you know of any members of your networks who may also be interested (and who have relevant experience), please feel free advertise this survey to them too.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Survey is for professionals with experience working with Individuals with PPA to help us to understand online access needs.

City:
State:
Start Date:
October 23, 2023
End Date:
February 28, 2024
Condition:
N/A

Impact of COVID-19 on Individuals with Aphasia: Effects on Quality of Life and Communication

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this research is to collect information about the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals with aphasia. This will include how it affected your life, therapy setting, quality of communication, etc. Procedures to be followed: Participation in this research will include completion of an online survey that will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Statement of Confidentiality: No one will have access to your personal information because you will remain anonymous at all times, including to the researchers. The data will be maintained in a password protected file on the PI’s computer. It will not be discarded due to future use of the data.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Fill out a 5 minute survey about aphasia therapy during COVID-19 to help aphasia research. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Inclusion Criteria: Adults who have aphasia and received speech therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

City:
Savannah
State:
Georgia
Start Date:
October 25, 2023
End Date:
October 30, 2023
Condition:
Stroke, PPA, TBI, or brain tumor

Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Reveal Mechanisms of Language Loss and to Treat Progressive Aphasia Associated with FTD and Related Dementias

This is a double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover study in which subjects with Primary Progressive Aphasia will undergo language testing and structural and functional brain imaging before and after receiving 10 semi-consecutive daily sessions of real or sham (fake) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with modified constraint-induced language therapy (mCILT). Language testing and brain imaging will be repeated immediately after completion of and up-to 24 weeks following completion of treatment. The investigators will examine changes in language performance induced by tDCS + mCILT compared to sham tDCS + mCILT. The investigators will also use network science to analyze brain imaging (fMRI) data to identify network properties associated with baseline PPA severity and tDCS-induced changes in performance. This study will combine knowledge gained from our behavioral, imaging, and network data in order to determine the relative degrees to which these properties predict whether persons with PPA will respond to intervention. After completion of one arm, participants will crossover into the second treatment arm, where all visits will be repeated. Participation will last about 12 months and takes place at the University of Pennsylvania.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a disease that affects your brain and communication. There is currently no cure. Researchers want to know whether brain stimulation with language therapy can help improve language ability. Participants receive either real or placebo (fake) brain stimulation with language therapy, then complete language testing and brain imaging. After the first part of the study, participants get real or placebo (fake) brain stimulation again (whichever they did not get first) with language therapy. All testing sessions are repeated after the second treatment is completed. The study lasts about 12 months and takes place at the University of Pennsylvania.

City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Start Date:
December 1, 2020
End Date:
July 1, 2024
Condition:
Primary Progressive Aphasia

Treating primary progressive aphasia and elucidating neurodegeneration in the language network using transcranial direct current stimulation

This study is being conducted in order to determine whether High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) paired with speech/language therapy can improve language in persons with the non-fluent /agrammatic and logopenic variants of Primary Progressive Aphasia (naPPA and lvPPA, respectively). Participants will participate in language testing and MRI scans followed up with two weeks (10 sessions) of brain stimulation paired with modified constraint-induced language therapy. The study is split into two arms – in each arm, participants will receive either real brain stimulation or placebo (fake) stimulation. After the treatment, participants will have follow-up language testing and cross over into the second round of treatment where all visits are repeated. This study will take place at the University of Pennsylvania.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a neurological disorder where language worsens over time. Currently, there are no treatments. We want to see if brain stimulation combined with language therapy can improve PPA. Participants will have 10 days of therapy with 20 minutes of real or placebo (fake) brain stimulation. After treatment, further testing will be completed to see if the therapy works. This study will take place at the University of Pennsylvania.

City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Start Date:
December 1, 2020
End Date:
July 1, 2024
Condition:
Primary Progressive Aphasia

A Single Arm Study of Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI)-Guided Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) in Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)

The purpose of this study is to investigate image guided transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) effect on brain networks and memory in primary progressive aphasia. TMS is a noninvasive magnetic pulse treatment that has been traditionally used to treat depression.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Complete a screening visit within 1 week of screening visit, complete baseline cognitive testing and MRI visit. Within 1 week of baseline visit, complete 5 TMS treatment sessions a day for 5 days distributed over 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, return to complete repeat of cognitive testing and MRI.

City:
St. Paul
State:
Minnesota
Start Date:
April 25, 2023
End Date:
December 31, 2023
Condition:
Primary Progressive Aphasia

Working Memory Training as a Treatment Method for Aphasia

Researchers at Baycrest Hospital are testing an experimental post-stroke aphasia treatment. The treatment is three-weeks long, personalized, online, and completed whenever you find convenient. We are interested in whether training working memory improves general communication in aphasia patients. This study will be completed fully online, and participants will need a laptop or desktop computer with access to the internet and Zoom to participate.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Researchers at Baycrest Hospital are testing an experimental post-stroke aphasia treatment. The treatment is three-weeks long, personalized, online, and completed whenever you find convenient. We are interested in whether training working memory improves general communication in aphasia patients. This study will be completed fully online, and participants will need a laptop or desktop computer with access to the internet and Zoom to participate.

City:
State:
Start Date:
July 15, 2023
End Date:
Condition:
Stroke

Your Aphasia Experience with Mental Health Counseling

This 15-minute anonymous survey will look at the correlation between aphasia (post-stroke aphasia or Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)) and how aphasia affects access to and experiences with mental health counseling. We will ask questions about the specific diagnosis for each individual partaking in the survey, their experiences with mental health counseling, including any difficulties communicating with their counselor as a result of their aphasia. The goal of this research is to better understand how having aphasia impacts counseling so we can develop better educational materials for counselors. The survey can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/aphasiasurvey

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We want to understand how having aphasia affects access to mental health counseling. This is a 15-minute online survey that will ask you about your experiences with mental health counseling, and communicating with your counselor. The goal of this research is to better understand how aphasia impacts counseling so we can better educate counselors about aphasia. Your information will remain anonymous. The survey can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/aphasiasurvey

City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Start Date:
May 23, 2023
End Date:
May 23, 2024
Condition:
Stroke or Primary Progressive Aphasia

Word Retrieval in the Wild: Ecological Momentary Assessment of Naming in People with Post-Stroke Aphasia and Age-Matched Controls

Anomia (difficulty with word retrieval) is one of the most common and persistent deficits that people with aphasia (PWA) experience. For PWA, word retrieval changes moment-to-moment, leading to diminished motivation to participate in conversations and disengagement from social interactions. In the real world, anomia variability and severity are compounded by contextual factors of communication exchanges (noise, dual-tasking). In clinical practice, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) typically assess anomia by administering a standardized test once to a patient in a quiet room. This approach likely captures neither the variability typical of post-stroke anomia nor the realities of real-world communication. In contrast, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) involves in-situ measurement of a behavior over time during everyday life. Traditional EMA involves a device prompting a participant to answer a set of questions a few times a day, whereas micro-interaction-based EMA (µEMA) uses single-question, “at-a-glance” prompts that are interspersed over time rather than grouped into sets. EMA has promise for capturing real-world language difficulties in PWA, yet its utility for anomia has not been determined. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to determine the extent to which three testing approaches (i.e., traditional 1:1 SLP assessment, smartwatch-delivered traditional EMA, and smartwatch-delivered µEMA) capture anomia severity and variability (per accuracy, response times, and error types) in PWA. The field of SLP lacks objective measures of communication deficits in real-life situations and the novelty and innovation of this work lies in working to remedy this problem.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

People with aphasia often experience difficulty with retrieving words. In the clinic, speech pathologists usually test word retrieval in a quiet room with no distractions. However, in the real world, noise and distractions can make word retrieval even harder. In this study, we want to learn how technology like smartwatches can be used to better understand real-world naming difficulties that people with aphasia experience. First, we ask participants to complete language tests in our lab at Northeastern University or in their home. Then, participants borrow and wear a smartwatch for three weeks. During the daytime, pictures appear on the smartwatch. People try to name the pictures out loud. We also ask participants to tell us about their experiences with using the smartwatch. We hope this study will lead to better ways of understanding how language difficulties affect people with aphasia .

City:
Boston
State:
Massachusetts
Start Date:
December 19, 2022
End Date:
September 30, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

Development of the Brief Cope for Aphasia

We are developing a coping questionnaire for persons with aphasia. Currently there are none that are aphasia friendly and standardized on persons with aphasia. This questionnaire is greatly needed to help address mental health needs of persons with aphasia.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

To better help people cope with aphasia we are making a coping questionnaire for persons with aphasia. This will allow therapists to help persons with aphasia.

City:
Atlanta
State:
Georgia
Start Date:
September 23, 2019
End Date:
May 31, 2025
Condition:
Stroke

Assessing an animal-assisted treatment program for adults with aphasia: The persons with aphasia training dogs program

In this animal-assisted treatment study for people with stroke-aphasia, participants will work with an aphasia specialist to learn positive reinforcement techniques to train dogs in basic obedience behaviors (for example 'sit' or 'stay').

Aphasia friendly listing description:

• Do you have a dog that you’d like to teach some skills? • Or do you want to work with dogs living in a shelter? What we’ll do? • Teach you how to train 5 basic obedience skills, like “sit” and “stay”. This is not behavior treatment. The dog must be friendly to strangers. • We will do some assessment with you • We will also do some assessment with you and a dog Where? • Assessment with you: at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI) • Work with dog: at your home or at a local animal shelter • We can help with travel back and forth How many sessions? • 3 or 4 assessments with just you. We will pay you for your time • 5 training sessions with dog • 2 extra assessment sessions with you and dog • If you want to work with shelter dogs, you’ll need to become a volunteer first. Participants should live within approximately 1 hour of the greater Philadelphia region.

City:
Elkins Park
State:
Pennsylvania
Start Date:
March 23, 2023
End Date:
March 23, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Speech Profiles and Cue Responsiveness in Primary Progressive Aphasia Consent to Participate in Research

The purpose is to learn about different speech profiles in progressive aphasia. Knowing about these speech profiles will help customize treatment. The study involves 1-2 sessions of speech and language assessment. Risks are similar to standard care by speech-language therapists. You will stay in your home and we will connect through an iPad.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

The purpose is to learn about different speech profiles in progressive aphasia. Knowing about these speech profiles will help customize treatment. The study involves 1-2 sessions of speech and language assessment. Risks are similar to standard care by speech-language therapists. You will stay in your home and we will connect through an iPad.

City:
Albuquerque
State:
New Mexico
Start Date:
January 1, 2022
End Date:
May 31, 2023
Condition:
Primary Progressive Aphasia Other:

Combined computerized and virtual group treatment for persons with primary progressive aphasia

New participants are enrolled at the start of each semester (fall and spring) for our virtual treatment study. Enrolled participants will complete a pretreatment assessment (2 hours), treatment (14 weeks), and a post-treatment assessment (2 hours). All study procedures are virtual (hosted using Zoom). During the treatment phase, participants are assigned weekly homework tasks on the Constant Therapy app (subscription provided by Constant Therapy for study participants) by a licensed speech-language pathologist. Participants are asked to complete Constant Therapy activities 5 days a week for 30 minutes. Participants will also meet for weekly, 1-hour virtual small-group treatment sessions with a speech-language pathologist. Homework assignments are updated each week.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

During this study, you will complete thinking, talking, and listening tasks on your smartphone or tablet using the Constant Therapy app. Homework will be assigned to you by a speech therapist. You will complete homework tasks 5 days a week for 30 minutes. You will also meet with a small group and a speech therapist online once a week for one hour. Treatment lasts 14 weeks during spring and fall semesters.

City:
Albuquerque
State:
New Mexico
Start Date:
March 1, 2022
End Date:
December 31, 2025
Condition:
Primary Progressive Aphasia

Finding common ground: Exploring speech-language pathologists’ experiences of collaboration with Music Therapists in treating aphasia in group settings.

If you are a speech-language pathologist with experience treating aphasia and collaborating with music therapists, researchers at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada would like to invite you to participate in a study on the treatment of aphasia with music therapy. Our study, titled Finding common ground: Exploring speech-language pathologists’ experiences of collaboration with Music Therapists in treating aphasia in group settings, is interested in understanding speech language pathologists' experiences in working with music therapists and incorporating music into the treatment of clients with aphasia. Participant’s identities will be kept private and anonymous. Participation involves a 60 - 90 minute recorded zoom interview to discuss your experiences collaborating with music therapists and incorporating music into your work with people with aphasia, as well as a 30 - 45 minute questionnaire discussing the results of the study. This study has been reviewed by and approved by the Wilfrid Laurier University Research Ethics Board (REB#8410).” This study will be supervised by Dr. Heidi Ahonen.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Benefits of this study include providing insights and tools for improving treatment of speech disorders such as aphasia.

City:
Waterloo, ON, Canada
State:
Start Date:
March 28, 2023
End Date:
March 28, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

Sarah Wallace Research Study

Speech-Language Pathologists who work with people with aphasia can complete the survey online.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Speech-Language Pathologists who work with people with aphasia can complete the survey online.

City:
Pittsburgh
State:
Pennsylvania
Start Date:
February 20, 2023
End Date:
May 20, 2023
Condition:
Other: Speech-Language Pathologists

Rural Urinary Nutrition in Stroke Survivors Analysis (RUNSA) study

WHO: Rural stroke survivors WHAT: Collect urine samples and diet history information as a way of measuring nutrition and diet patterns in rural communities. You would provide 3 urine samples, 3 online diet surveys, and participant information survey over a week (1 urine sample and 1 diet survey per day for 3 days). Urine collection would be done at home and shipped back (materials provided). TIME COMMITMENT: We estimate it will take 2 hours total, over 3 days, to complete the surveys and time involved with collection of 3 urine samples. Additional time related to shipment of the urine samples may vary. Urine collection kits and shipping materials are provided NEED to Participate: Computer, iPad, tablet, or cell phone with internet access; Ability to provide urine samples and diet information independently or with help from a caregiver.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
Omaha
State:
Nebraska
Start Date:
February 1, 2023
End Date:
June 1, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

Traumatic Brain Injury Goals, Rehabilitation Practices, and Outcomes Study

Have you had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion? Have you participated in outpatient rehab for your TBI/concussion? Are you 18 years of age or older? If so, you may be eligible to take part in a survey looking to get your opinions on outpatient rehab. For example, we are interested in learning more about your brain injury, types of treatment you received, your goals/motivations, and mental health. Hopefully, results from this study can help rehab professionals improve patient care and long term health outcomes.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
Baton Rouge
State:
LA
Start Date:
July 21, 2022
End Date:
July 14, 2025
Condition:
Traumatic Brain Injury

Bilingual Educational Matererials for Bilinguals with Aphasia

This study is intended to evaluate if bilingual materials will result in improved comprehension of their subject matter, when compared to monolingual materials. Subjects will be given either a bilingual pamphlet, or one of two monolingual pamphlets. Participants will be evaluated with a short set of reading comprehension questions.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Bilingual people with aphasia might understand text better if it is in two languages. Participants in this study will be given a short text, either in English, Spanish, or in both languages at the same time. Participants in this study will read the short text. Participants in this study will answer some questions about the short text.

City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Start Date:
February 4, 2023
End Date:
March 1, 2023
Condition:
Any form of aphasia

Sentence Production Training in Aphasia

The purpose of this study is to better understand language learning processes in persons with aphasia. In this NIH-funded project, our goal is to develop novel treatment for persons with aphasia for improving sentence production and comprehension.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We are inviting persons with aphasia after stroke to take part in a language training study. During the sessions you will be asked to complete a set of tasks, such as describing pictures you see on a computer screen, reading or repeating sentences. The study is offered in person (location: West Lafayette, IN or Indianapolis, IN) and virtual options are available.

City:
West Lafayette
State:
Indiana
Start Date:
August 1, 2021
End Date:
May 30, 2026
Condition:
Stroke

Molecular and Structural Imaging in Atypical Alzheimer's Disease

Participants are asked to come to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN for 2-4 evaluations, each being one year apart. During those visits, participants are asked to complete an MRI, Amyloid PET scan, Tau PET scan, blood sample and Neuro exam.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Patients with PPA (Logopenic variant) and PCA (Posterior Cortical Atrophy) are eligible to participate in this study.

City:
Rochester
State:
Minnesota
Start Date:
May 1, 2016
End Date:
April 30, 2026
Condition:
Primary Progressive Aphasia, Posterior Cortical Atrophy

Optimizing Targeted Interventions for Aphasia

Sixty-two patients who are one-year post-stroke and have aphasia due to stroke will be recruited. Participants will have four assessment sessions and 15 treatment sessions. The TDCS will be to right Inferior Frontal Gyrus (IFG) (25 active, 25 sham) for 15 days. A combined semantic feature analysis/phonological components analysis treatment will be paired with the stimulation. Two assessment sessions will be pretreatment, one session immediately post-treatment, and one session at 3-month follow-up.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

You will complete an MRI and EEG along with speech-language assessment before treatment. Treatment will consist of 15 sessions in 3 weeks. During the treatment session, you will be fitted with a cap with electrodes for brain stimulation and complete one hour of naming treatment. Immediately after treatment, you will complete an EEG and language assessment and then again three months after treatment.

City:
Albuquerque
State:
New Mexico
Start Date:
April 30, 2021
End Date:
May 1, 2026
Condition:
Stroke

Activity, Health, and Burden in Caregivers

This research is studying the differences in life activities, participation levels, health-related behaviors, and mood between adults who identify as caregivers and adults who do not identify as caregivers. Participation will involve completing several short questionnaires to examine your life activities, participation levels, health-related behaviors, and mood. The survey should take about 30-45 minutes to complete.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

This study will examine life activities, participation, health-related behaviors, and mood for caregivers and non-caregiving controls. Participation will involve completing several short questionnaires to examine activities, participation, health-related behaviors, and mood. The survey should take about 30-45 minutes to complete.

City:
Albuquerque
State:
New Mexico
Start Date:
March 30, 2016
End Date:
December 31, 2025
Condition:

Electrophysiological and behavioral investigation of feedback-based learning in aphasia

The purpose of this research study is to better understand how aphasia due to stroke affects skills that support learning. We hope that a better understanding of learning will lead to improvements in treatments for aphasia in the future. This research study involves: • A learning task on the computer. You will see/hear made up words and objects, press buttons, and answer questions. We will record electrical activity in your brain using EEG. Recording EEG is noninvasive. You will wear a small mesh cap that contains small pads (also known as sensor electrodes) that will measure brain activity. • Completing standardized tests of language (speaking and listening) and cognition (thinking and remembering)

Aphasia friendly listing description:

What are we studying? We would like to understand how aphasia due to stroke affects skills that support learning. Understanding this may lead to improvements in aphasia treatment. What will you be asked to do? - Complete learning tasks on the computer. You will see and hear made up words and objects, press buttons, and answer questions - We will measure electrical activity in your brain using EEG while you learn. EEG is non-invasive. You will wear a mesh cap that contains small, damp pads that will measure brain activity. - Complete tests of language and cognition

City:
Boston
State:
Massachusetts
Start Date:
December 17, 2021
End Date:
April 14, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

Aphasia Research Study: Speaking Together

The goal of this study is to investigate how different ways of speaking can help people with aphasia speak more fluently. Participants will be asked to complete tests of language and musical rhythm, to repeat sentences, and to speak along with a recording. Testing takes place at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, MA.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We want to see if different ways of speaking make it easier for you to get words out. We will ask you to do language tests. We will ask you to repeat sentences. We will ask you to speak along with recorded sentences. This study is in Boston.

City:
Boston
State:
Massachusetts
Start Date:
January 1, 2022
End Date:
February 28, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Assessment of anomia: Improving efficiency and utility using item response theory

The purpose of this research study is to develop a standard scale for measuring the ability to name things in people who have aphasia. We will use this information to develop tests that are clinically useful and scientifically sound, and to develop a new computer adaptive test of naming. The ultimate goal of this study is to provide speech-language pathologists with better tools for evaluating the naming abilities of persons with aphasia.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

The purpose of this study is to develop a computerized test to assess word finding difficulties. To be included you must meet the following criteria: - Have aphasia (difficulty talking) after left side stroke - Speak English as your first language - No speech-language treatment during the study (2 weeks). Note: This is an in-person study. Must live near the Portland, Oregon metro area or be able to travel.

City:
Portland
State:
Oregon
Start Date:
April 6, 2021
End Date:
April 30, 2025
Condition:
Stroke, Aphasia

Translation and Clinical Implementation of a Test of Language and Short-term Memory in Aphasia

The study procedures consist of testing your speech, language, memory and organization. For the language tests you will be asked to compare the sounds and meanings of words, name and describe pictures, repeat words and sentences, and retell stories. For the memory tests, you will be asked to repeat a series of numbers and words, and identify numbers and words in the series. For the tests of your organizational abilities, you will be asked to recognize blocks and pictures, and organize letters and numbers. The purpose of this testing is to figure out how language and memory affects your ability to listen to, understand, remember and say words and sentences.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

After a stroke, many people have language and memory problems. We want to understand those problems better. It will help us make better aphasia tests. In this study, you will take tests of language and memory. Location - two options: Temple University in Philadelphia OR Zoom testing from your home.

City:
Philadelphia
State:
Pennsylvania
Start Date:
End Date:
Condition:
Stroke

fMRI Language and Cognition study

This study investigates the relationship between language and other cognitive abilities, as well as the reorganization of the language system after a stroke. The study involves a comprehensive assessment of language and cognitive abilities. This is done remotely over video-conferencing. The study also involves an in-person brain scanning session (MRI). We can provide a laptop to do the testing sessions at home if the participant does not have one. The sessions will be scheduled at times that work best for the participant. If you are interested, please contact us by email at brainrec@bu.edu or give us a call at 617-353-2706.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

In this study, researchers want to better understand language recovery in people with aphasia. We also examine how the brain reorganizes after a stroke. If you want to participate, you will do 8 to 10 behavioral testing sessions and 1 MRI scan. The testing sessions can be done on a computer at home. The MRI scan will be done at Boston University in Boston. We can provide a laptop to do the testing sessions at home if you do not have one. The sessions will be scheduled at times that work best for you. If you are interested, please contact us by email at brainrec@bu.edu or give us a call at 617-353-2706.

City:
Boston
State:
Massachusetts
Start Date:
September 1, 2020
End Date:
December 31, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Improving aphasia outcomes through tDCS-mediated attention management

The Syracuse University Aphasia Lab is recruiting participants for a research study investigating brain stimulation and its effects on attention and language recovery. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a safe non-invasive type of electrical brain stimulation, will be used while participants receive speech and language therapy. Individuals who are 1) at least 18 years old, 2) have had a stroke, and 3) have experienced speech/language difficulties following their stroke are invited to take a brief, 5-minute screening questionnaire to determine eligibility for language and cognitive testing. The questionnaire is available by going to https://is.gd/aphasiastudy. If eligible based on screening questions, the participant will be scheduled for a 1-2 hour language and cognitive testing visit to determine eligibility for study treatment. If eligible for study treatment, participants will be asked to complete 1 pre-testing session, 10 language training sessions with tDCS, and 2 post-testing sessions, each of which will last between 1-2 hours. Eligible participants will be compensated up to $150 for completion of the study. Eligibility will be determined by the screening questionnaire and results of the initial language and cognitive testing. To learn more about the research, please contact Dr. Ellyn Riley at (315) 443-8688 or visit aphasialab.syr.edu. The Aphasia Lab is located on the Syracuse University South Campus at 621 Skytop Road in Syracuse, NY.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

The Syracuse University Aphasia Lab is currently recruiting adults who experience language difficulties following a stroke. The treatment used in this study will combine an electrical brain stimulation technique, called tDCS, with attention and language behavioral therapy. To learn more, please call Dr. Ellyn Riley at (315) 443-8688 or visit our website: aphasialab.syr.edu.

City:
Syracuse
State:
New York
Start Date:
September 23, 2020
End Date:
August 31, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

The Ohio State University - Aphasia Lab Study

The Ohio State University’s Aphasia Laboratory is currently seeking participants for an NIHfunded project involving a free speech therapy for adults with language impairments after a stroke. Results from this work may assist families and patients in making informed stroke rehabilitation decisions, based on unique characteristics, such as genetics, cognitive skills, and brain structure after stroke. This study is mostly virtual and we can loan participants a laptop computer, and/or internet access if needed. Most in-person sessions can be held either in our lab (OSU’s campus) or at the participant’s home. The required MRI must occur at our elected facility in Columbus, OH. Participants will be paid $20 per session. Participants must fit the following criteria: • Between the ages of 18 and 85 • Native English speaker • Have had a left hemisphere stroke • Able to have an MRI If you or someone you know may be interested in getting involved, please call (614) 247-1982 or email aphasialab@osu.edu. For more information, feel free to visit our website, u.osu.edu/aphasialab/.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Looking to join a research study for person's with aphasia? We are looking for adults with language impairments after a stroke. The results from this study will help better understand what therapy techniques work best based on factors such as genetics, every-day decision making skills, and brain structure.

City:
Columbus
State:
Ohio
Start Date:
August 21, 2019
End Date:
August 30, 2025
Condition:
Stroke

How Stroke Affects Activities of Daily Living

Online or in-person behavior testing for two hours; for interested participants it can also involve a 1.5-hour MRI session. The goal of the study is to understand how the brain systems that support seeing, speaking and understanding work together.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We want to understand how stroke affects everyday abilities like recognizing familiar objects and people, speaking one's thoughts and grasping and using objects.

City:
Pittsburgh
State:
Pennsylvania
Start Date:
October 10, 2022
End Date:
October 10, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Diagnostic Markers of Language Impairment in Spanish-English speakers

Our goal is to improve services for Spanish-English speaking adults who need to see a Speech-Language Pathologist due to brain injury. We are developing language assessments to more accurately diagnose conditions such as aphasia and dementia. We aim to improve access to speech-language therapy services for bilingual speakers and reduce health disparities with our research. For some background information, we are recruiting adult speakers who are 30-70 years old and are: monolingual English speakers, or highly proficient Spanish-English bilingual speakers, or Spanish-English bilingual speakers with a diagnosis of aphasia, who were highly proficient in both languages prior to their brain injury. All participation will be completed online over the computer. For monolingual English speakers, the procedures involve a 15-minute phone screen, and 2 hours of testing, and they will be reimbursed $50 at the completion of the study. For bilingual Spanish-English speakers, the procedures involve a 25 minute phone screen and 5 hours of testing (over two to three sessions). They will be reimbursed $100 at the completion of the study.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We are developing aphasia tests for bilingual Spanish-English speakers. You are eligible if you are a Spanish-English speaker with aphasia. You will participate online over a computer. Participation invovles 25 minute phone screen and two to three sessions of testing (about 5 hours total). You will be paid $100 at the completion of the study.

City:
College Park
State:
Maryland
Start Date:
July 1, 2022
End Date:
June 30, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

Development of The Brief Cope for Aphasia

Recruiting participants with aphasia and their caregivers for an online research study. The purpose of the study is to develop a coping questionnaire for patients with post-stroke aphasia. Relatively little is known about stress and coping among patients with post-stroke aphasia. Currently there exists no coping questionnaires developed specifically for people with aphasia. The current study aims to develop an aphasia coping questionnaire.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We want to develop a coping questionnaire for people with aphasia to learn more about stress and coping.

City:
Atlanta
State:
Georgia
Start Date:
December 2, 2021
End Date:
August 31, 2025
Condition:
Stroke

Modulating stimuli intensity to improve clinical outcomes in aphasia treatment (VIRTUAL)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how changing conditions of speech-language treatment (namely, amount of repetition and distribution of practice schedule) affects the language outcome of participants with aphasia following a stroke. Using a computer-based speech and language therapy program, participants will practice conversational scripts that are either short or long. Participants will practice for either 2 weeks (5 days a week) or for 5 weeks (2 days a week).

Aphasia friendly listing description:

• Conversation practice on the computer with a “virtual therapist” • We will loan you all equipment needed for the study • Participation in the study lasts either 11 weeks or 14 weeks • You will receive 10 treatment sessions. Treatment lasts either 2 weeks or 5 weeks: o 2-week schedule: 1 hour/day, 5 days/week o 5-week schedule: 1 hour/day, 2 days/week • All visits online (Zoom) OR in-person with Shirley Ryan AbilityLab research staff: o Evaluations (4 times, 1-2 days each) o Training (1-2 days)

City:
Chicago
State:
Illinois
Start Date:
September 21, 2020
End Date:
June 30, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Phase III Development of a Valid, Reliable, Clinically Feasible Measure of Transactional Success in Aphasic Conversation

The purpose of this study is to validate a measure of transactional success in semi-structured conversation in aphasia. Participants will attend four 1-hour sessions over a period of approximately two weeks, administered entirely over Zoom. In the first two sessions, we will acquire traditional measures of language and cognition, including typical discourse elicited from picture descriptions. In the second two sessions, participants will view four short video clips. After each one, they will describe what they saw/heard to the administrator, then engage in a six-minute conversation with a familiar or unfamiliar conversation partner, after which the partner will retell the story.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We know that people with aphasia communicate better than they talk, but we do not have good tests to measure how well they communicate in conversation with others. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that the test we are developing is correctly measuring what we intend to measure and that it consistently does a good job of measuring success in conversation. Participants will attend four 1-hour sessions over a period of approximately two weeks. All test sessions will be administered over Zoom. In the first two sessions, we will collect the usual measures of language and cognition, including descriptions of pictures. In the second two sessions, participants will view four short video clips, each lasting about 2.5 minutes. After each video, they will describe what they saw and heard to the SLP. After that, they will have a six-minute conversation with a familiar or unfamiliar conversation partner about what they saw and heard. Finally, the conversation partner will retell the story.

City:
Amherst
State:
Massachsetts
Start Date:
July 1, 2022
End Date:
June 30, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Examining Telehealth Administration of Aphasia and Cognitive Screening Tests for Individuals with Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Validity and Feasibility Study

Aphasia, most commonly caused by a stroke, is a language disorder which hinders the ability to communicate effectively. It is an impairment of language, typically affecting two or more of the following: the production or comprehension of spoken, written or nonverbal aspects of communication. This study will specifically involve individuals who have been diagnosed with aphasia following their stroke. Early identification of patients with stroke-induced aphasia is essential because it is a significant disability affecting daily life and is linked to multiple co-existing sensory, motor, cognitive, and functional problems after stroke. Therefore, this study will examine a brief screening protocol that can be administered via telehealth practices which includes the assessment of both language and cognition so that individuals with post-stroke aphasia can be quickly and conveniently diagnosed. This will be done via Zoom Video Communications Inc. as the videoconference platform where individuals will be able to stay in their preferred locations. During the telehealth session, participants will be administered two screening tests, regarding both language and cognitive abilities. Along with this, corresponding self-reported measures will be given to participants to report on their subjective language/cognitive abilities.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We would like to know if our assessment can be done online. Participants will attend a session via Zoom that will include brief language and cognitive tests. They will also be able to answer questions related to their experience of this online session.

City:
London, ON
State:
Michigan
Start Date:
January 5, 2022
End Date:
January 2, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

BUILD

Have you wondered why you didn’t recover from your stroke as well as you’d hoped? Have you wondered why your strengths and weaknesses are so different from other stroke survivors you meet? In BUILD (Brain-based Understanding of Individual Language Differences after stroke), we’re studying whether these differences are due to the nature of your stroke and also the strength of brain structures and connections that were not affected by your stroke. By understanding these “individual differences” in language and the brain, we hope in the future to predict who will recover well and who may need extra help after their stroke. BUILD will also help us understand which brain structures and connections are essential to language and cognitive abilities, such as reading, perceiving speech, and finding and producing words. BUILD will also help us understand how brain plasticity allows reorganization of these functions after injury. Ultimately, we hope that BUILD will guide us toward new targets for brain stimulation treatments that improve language and cognitive abilities after stroke.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

Have you ever wanted to see a picture of your brain? We are studying what factors contribute to stroke recovery. Looking at the brain and behavior of people who have had a stroke will help us understand individual differences in recovery. If you choose to participate: -You will be compensated $50/ session for 5-6 sessions, as well as free parking or transportation by Lyft/Uber. -You will receive a report meeting with Dr. Turkeltaub, our neurologist, and our Research Speech-Language Pathologist to discuss test scores and your MRI upon study-completion. -You will help science and research gather information that may improve treatments for people with language difficulties after stroke.

City:
Washington
State:
DC
Start Date:
January 1, 2018
End Date:
January 1, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Speech and language processing in people with aphasia

The research involves four sessions that are two- to three-hours long where you do the following: complete tasks assessing speech and language processing; listen to an audiobook and a clip from a podcast while electroencephalography (EEG) data are collected.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

You will do some tests like you would with a speech therapist. You will also listen to a story while we record brain activity using EEG.

City:
Houston
State:
Texas
Start Date:
October 7, 2022
End Date:
December 31, 2024
Condition:
Stroke

Aphasia Therapy Outcomes

We are looking for volunteers who are within driving distance to Hershey, PA. We want to understand how the brain changes in response to naming therapy. Volunteers will complete a 10-week intensive naming therapy. Each session will be 2 hours and there are 2 sessions each a week. Volunteers will also come to Hershey Medical Center for a total of 4 MRI scans. Two MRI scans happen before treatment and 2 scans happen after treatment. A language assessment will also be given before and after naming therapy. In-person visits for MRI scans are required, and compensation for travel time is provided up to two hours each way. Naming therapy and assessment sessions can be conducted virtually via Zoom.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We are looking for volunteers who are within driving distance to Hershey, PA. We want to understand how the brain changes in response to naming therapy. Volunteers will complete a 10-week intensive naming therapy. Each session will be 2 hours and there are 2 sessions each a week. Volunteers will also come to Hershey Medical Center for a total of 4 MRI scans. Two MRI scans happen before treatment and 2 scans happen after treatment. A language assessment will also be given before and after naming therapy. In-person visits for MRI scans are required, and compensation for travel time is provided up to two hours each way. Naming therapy and assessment sessions can be conducted virtually via Zoom.

City:
Hershey
State:
Pennsylvania
Start Date:
June 1, 2018
End Date:
May 1, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

Exploring the Impact of Caregiving on Friendships of Caregivers of Stroke Survivors with Aphasia

This project aims to better understand how caregiving impacts friendships of aphasia care partners over time, including the time before caregiving and during the acute and chronic stages of caregiving for their loved one with aphasia. This is a remote study and can be completed on a computer and smartphone. The first part of the study involves completing a survey about caregiving and friendship on the computer. The second, optional, part of the study involves using a free smartphone application for 14 days to take daily surveys that ask about what you are doing and how you are feeling.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

We want to know how a care partner's friendships might change over time and they feel about their friendships.

City:
Tallahassee
State:
Florida
Start Date:
July 1, 2022
End Date:
March 31, 2023
Condition:
Stroke

Assessment of anomia: Improving efficiency and utility using item response theory

The purpose of this research study is to develop a standard scale for measuring the ability to name things in people who have aphasia. We will use this information to develop tests that are clinically useful and scientifically sound, and to develop a new computer adaptive test of naming. The ultimate goal of this study is to provide speech-language pathologists with better tools for evaluating the naming abilities of persons with aphasia.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
Pittsburgh
State:
PA
Start Date:
April 6, 2021
End Date:
April 30, 2025
Condition:
Aphasia

Semantic Feature Analysis Treatment for Aphasia

This randomized controlled comparative effectiveness study examines manipulation of a key component of an established and efficacious treatment for naming impairments in aphasia, along with cognitive and brain correlates of treatment success. Study participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions comparing two different versions of Semantic Feature Analysis treatment. Their performance on standardized and study-specific measures will be used to determine which version of the treatment provides superior outcomes, and measures of automatic language processing and functional brain imaging will also be used to identify the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms associated with positive treatment response.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
Pittsburgh
State:
PA
Start Date:
February 24, 2020
End Date:
April 30, 2024
Condition:
Aphasia

Electrophysiological and Behavioral Investigation of Feedback-based Learning in Aphasia

We would like to understand how aphasia due to stroke affects skills that support learning. Understanding this may lead to improvements in aphasia treatment in the future. Participants will come to our lab at MGH Institute of Health Professions in the Charlestown Navy Yard (Boston). The study will involve: - Completing learning tasks on the computer. You will see and hear made up words and objects, press buttons, and answer questions - Measuring electrical activity in your brain using EEG while you learn - Completing tests of language and cognition

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
Boston
State:
Massachusetts
Start Date:
April 15, 2021
End Date:
April 14, 2022
Condition:
Stroke

Does Treating Working Memory Improve Spoken Naming Abilities in Individuals with Aphasia?

The purpose of the study is to investigate whether a working memory-naming treatment approach will help spoken naming abilities. Participation in this study involves testing the individual’s cognitive-language abilities prior to and after treatment. The treatment approach involves naming pictures, describing the pictures, repeating words, answering questions, and remembering words.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
Ypsilanti
State:
Michigan
Start Date:
March 1, 2022
End Date:
Condition:
Stroke

Neural and Cognitive Bases of Language Processing

The purpose of the study is to answer questions about normal and impaired language processing and their underlying neural and cognitive mechanisms. Specifically, how persons with aphasia understand & produce words and sentences using different experiments. * remote and in-person testing is available *participants will be asked to produce/listen to sentences. At times when looking at a computer screen which tracks eye movements. * sessions are approximately 2 hours in length

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
West Lafayette
State:
Indiana
Start Date:
June 1, 2022
End Date:
June 11, 2025
Condition:
Stroke

Inner speech as a predictor of improved naming after speech therapy in persons with aphasia

The purpose of this study is to understand “inner speech” (knowing the name for something in your head) predicts how you name objects aloud after speech therapy. This study will require ~22 hours across five weeks. You will be asked to name some pictures and answer questions about those pictures. You will then participate in three weeks of speech-language therapy to improve your picture naming.

Aphasia friendly listing description:

City:
Bloomington
State:
Indiana
Start Date:
January 1, 2022
End Date:
January 1, 2023
Condition:
Stroke