What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Speech-language therapy for Nonfluent Aphasia, which aims to improve communication abilities, is generally considered safe and non-invasive. Potential side effects are minimal but may include temporary frustration or emotional distress due to the challenges of therapy. Fatigue can also occur, especially in intensive therapy sessions. Overall, the benefits of improved communication typically outweigh these minor side effects.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved drugs for the treatment of Nonfluent Aphasia. The primary approach to managing this condition involves speech-language therapy, which focuses on improving communication abilities through structured and systematic interventions. These therapies aim to enhance speech-language function and are grounded in modern cognitive and neuroanatomical concepts. Research is ongoing to establish the efficacy of these behavioral treatments and to identify neural predictors of responsiveness to intervention.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to traditional Speech-Language Treatment for Nonfluent Aphasia patients include: 1) Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve language function; 2) Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can enhance neural plasticity and language recovery; and 3) Pharmacological interventions targeting neurotransmitter systems to support language rehabilitation. These approaches are being actively researched and may offer additional or complementary benefits to traditional speech-language therapy.

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Speech and Language Therapy for Primary Progressive Aphasia

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Maya L Henry, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of Texas at Austin

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (approximately 6 weeks after treatment onset) and follow-ups at 3 months post-treatment, 6 months post-treatment, and 12 months post-treatment

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests speech-language therapy for adults with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a condition that impairs communication. The therapy aims to improve speech and language abilities by using targeted exercises. Researchers will track participants over time to see if the therapy helps slow down the decline in communication skills.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adults with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) who can pass a basic mental state exam. It's not suitable for those with major vision or hearing issues, other cognitive-linguistic affecting conditions, or significant non-speech-language impairments.

What is being tested?

The study tests two speech and language therapies: Video-Implemented Script Training (VISTA) and Lexical Retrieval Training (LRT), aiming to improve communication in PPA patients. It also looks at how these treatments might change the disease's progression over a year.

What are the potential side effects?

Since the interventions are behavioral therapies focusing on improving speech and language skills, there are no direct medical side effects like you'd expect from medication; however, participants may experience fatigue or frustration during therapy sessions.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (approximately 6 weeks after treatment onset) and follow-ups at 3 months post-treatment, 6 months post-treatment, and 12 months post-treatment

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (approximately 6 weeks after treatment onset) and follow-ups at 3 months post-treatment, 6 months post-treatment, and 12 months post-treatment

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from pre-treatment to post-treatment (approximately 6 weeks after treatment onset) and follow-ups at 3 months post-treatment, 6 months post-treatment, and 12 months post-treatment for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in script production accuracy

Change in spoken naming of target items

Secondary study objectives

Change on Boston Naming Test

Change on Communicative Effectiveness Index

Change on Mini Mental State Exam

+2 more

Other study objectives

Post-treatment Communication Survey

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Script TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: Lexical Retrieval TreatmentExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for Nonfluent Aphasia, such as speech-language therapy, work by leveraging the brain's neuroplasticity to form new neural connections and strengthen existing ones involved in language production. These therapies involve repetitive and structured speech exercises designed to improve speech production and fluency. This is particularly important for Nonfluent Aphasia patients as it helps them regain lost language functions and enhances their overall communication abilities, thereby improving their daily interactions and quality of life.

Effectiveness of enhanced communication therapy in the first four months after stroke for aphasia and dysarthria: a randomised controlled trial.Veterans Administration cooperative study on aphasia: a comparison of individual and group treatment.