Pseudoword Learning for Aphasia

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byHaley Dresang, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Patients with stroke frequently suffer from aphasia, a disorder of expressive and/or receptive language, that can lead to serious health consequences, including social isolation, depression, reduced quality of life, and increased caregiver burden. Aphasia recovery varies greatly between individuals, and likely relies upon the capacity for neuroplasticity, both at a systems level of reorganized brain networks and a molecular level of neuronal repair and plasticity. The proposed work will evaluate genetic and neural network biological markers of neuroplasticity associated with variability in aphasia, with a future goal to improve prognostics and identify therapeutic targets to reduce the long-term burdens of aphasia.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 40-90 who have had a single ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory, resulting in aphasia. They must be right-handed (before the stroke), proficient in English, and able to consent. The study includes those with recent strokes for one part and those within 12 months post-stroke for other parts. Exclusions include significant vision/hearing loss, non-standard stroke treatments, other major medical/neurological disorders, uncontrolled psychiatric issues, or substance abuse.

Inclusion Criteria

Right-handed (prior to stroke)

Proficient English speakers

Medically stable

+5 more

Exclusion Criteria

History of significant medical or neurological disorder (other than stroke)

History of significant or poorly controlled psychiatric disorders

Current abuse of alcohol or drugs, prescription or otherwise

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study investigates how well people with aphasia can learn made-up words (Pseudoword learning paradigm task) to understand brain changes after a stroke. It aims to identify genetic and neural markers of neuroplasticity that could explain why recovery varies so much between individuals.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Experimental word-learning task for aphasiaExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The word learning task includes 210 trials across 7 learning blocks (30 trials/block). Each trial features two novel objects (target and foil) on the screen, with an audio recording naming one object. Subjects must quickly and accurately identify the named object. Correct responses are rewarded with a happy face, and incorrect ones with a sad face. The target object's position is counter-balanced, and trial order is randomized for each subject. Short pauses occur every 60 trials to reduce fatigue. After 7 learning blocks, feedback is discontinued, and an immediate test block assesses word-referent recognition. A week later, a second test block, with the same instructions, measures retained learning. Each test block consists of 30 randomized trials without feedback.