The purpose of this study is to find out how the language of people with Primary Progressive Aphasia is affected by Propranolol. Propranolol is not FDA approved for the treatment of Primary Progressive Aphasia. Propranolol is FDA approved for the treatment of heart conditions such as blood pressure. This research is being done because there are currently no drug treatment options for language impairments and anxiety often experienced by people with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

We would like to try a drug to see if it helps with your talking, perhaps through limiting the anxiety while trying to talk.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age: 50 and older 2. PPA diagnosis 3. Native English speaker Exclusion Criteria: 1. Unable to provide consent 2. Taking alpha 2 agonists (clonidine and guanfacine) 3. Other major psychological or neurological diagnosis 4. Major head trauma that contributed to their condition 5. Allergic reaction to adhesives 6. Uncorrected vision/hearing impairments 7. Diabetes 8. Reactive airway disease 9. Untreated hypothyroidism 10. Bradyarrhythmia 11. Unexplained syncope 12. Pregnancy (assessed verbally on the days of MR imaging) 13. Drugs that interact with propranolol, such as alpha 2 agonists 14. Claustrophobia, inner ear implants, aneurysm or other surgical clips, metal foreign bodies in eye, pacemaker or other contraindication to MR scanning. Subjects with any implanted device that cannot be verified as MRI compliant will be excluded.

David Beversdorf

beversdorfd@health.missouri.edu

Primary Progressive Aphasia

Treatment

Pharmacological

The study includes about 6 visits over a 18-20 week period. Each visit lasts approximately 1 to 4 hours.

December 31, 2026

There are no costs to the participant. Compensation includes $100.00 for each visit with an MRI (3) and $25.00 for each visit that does not include an MRI. Additional compensation is available for participants meeting certain criteria.

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