Conversation Therapy for Aphasia
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The proposed research will test the efficacy of group conversation treatment for people with aphasia and explore whether the effects of treatment differ as a result of the following factors: 1. Group size: Do large groups of 6-8 people with aphasia or dyads of 2 people with aphasia demonstrate different levels of improvement with this treatment? 2. Group composition: Do effects of conversation group treatment differ if the groups include members with similar or different types of aphasia? 3. Aphasia severity: Do effects of conversation group treatment differ if the individuals within the group have mild-moderate or moderate-severe profiles of aphasia? Treatment sessions will occur in groups of 6-8 people with aphasia or with 2 people with aphasia. During treatment sessions, discourse will be facilitated on a focused set of every day topics, such as current events or travel. Linguistic and multi modal cueing hierarchies will be tailored to individual client goals and used to maximize communication success. The prediction is that conversation treatment is an effective method for improving communication in people with aphasia, but that specific benefits may differ based on variables such as group size, group composition, and aphasia severity. The results will help inform best practices for aphasia treatment and refine a hypothesized model about the mechanisms underlying conversation treatment.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must abstain from any concurrent speech language treatment.
What data supports the idea that Conversation Therapy for Aphasia is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that Conversation Therapy for Aphasia is effective in improving communication skills. One study found that participants who received group communication treatment had significantly higher scores on communication and language tests compared to those who did not receive the treatment. Improvements were seen after just two months and continued after four months of treatment, with no decline in performance after stopping the treatment. Another study compared individual and group treatments and found that both methods led to significant improvements in language abilities, suggesting that group therapy is a viable option for managing aphasia.12345
What safety data exists for conversation therapy for aphasia?
The provided research does not specifically address safety data for conversation therapy for aphasia. The studies focus on the efficacy, mechanisms of change, and outcomes of the therapy, such as improvements in communication, language impairment, and quality of life. However, there is no mention of adverse effects or safety concerns, suggesting that the therapy is generally considered safe, but specific safety data is not detailed in these abstracts.25678
Is Conversation Treatment for Aphasia a promising treatment?
Research Team
Elizabeth Hoover, PhD
Principal Investigator
Boston University
Gayle DeDe, PhD
Principal Investigator
Temple University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking adults with aphasia, a language disorder typically caused by stroke. They must be at least 6 months post-stroke and have enough understanding to join in conversations. The study includes all severity levels of aphasia but excludes those with other neurological diseases, developmental disabilities, or serious illnesses like cancer.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Conversation Treatment for Aphasia (Behavioral Intervention)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston University Charles River Campus
Lead Sponsor
Temple University
Collaborator
Adler Aphasia Center
Collaborator