Delayed Word Repetition for Aphasia

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byNadine Martin, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Temple University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The aim of this research is to translate a theory of the cognitive relationship between verbal short--term memory (STM) and word processing impairments in aphasia to treatment approaches for language impairment in aphasia. It has been proposed that the co-occurrence of these impairments is due to a disruption of cognitive processes that support both abilities: maintenance of activated semantic and phonological representations of words, hereafter the 'activation--maintenance hypothesis'. This hypothesis will be tested in the context of a treatment approach that aims to improve word processing and verbal STM abilities. The grant supporting this work has ended. therefore, participants are entered into the study by invitation only.

Research Team

Nadine Martin, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

Temple University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for right-handed adults aged 21-80 with aphasia due to a single left hemisphere stroke, at least six months post-stroke. Participants must have high school education or higher, English proficiency, good hearing and vision (with aids if needed), and no history of mental illness, neurological disease unrelated to stroke, substance abuse, or inability to consent.

Inclusion Criteria

You can hear sounds at specific frequencies in at least one ear, even with the help of correction like hearing aids.

You have a lesion in the left side of your brain.

You have had a stroke at least six months ago.

See 8 more

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant

You have a history of mental illness.

You have had mental health issues in the past.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Theory-Driven Treatment of Language and Cognitive Processes in Aphasia (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests a treatment based on the 'activation-maintenance hypothesis' which suggests that verbal short-term memory and word processing impairments in aphasia are linked. The intervention involves repeating words after a time delay to improve language processing and memory in people with aphasia.

Participant Groups

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Word repetition after a tiem delayExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

People with Aphasia and Short-Term Memory impairment will receive a behavioral treatment: Word repetition after a time delay. This is the intervention: repetition of words after a 5 or 10 second delay.