Longitudinal Multi-Modality Imaging in Progressive Apraxia of Speech

Launched by MAYO CLINIC · Mar 21, 2013

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how changes in the brain relate to difficulties with speech and language in patients who have a condition called neurodegenerative apraxia of speech (AOS). The researchers want to understand both the physical structure of the brain and how it functions over time in people diagnosed with this condition. By looking at brain imaging and observing how speech and language abilities change, they hope to learn more about the disease and how it progresses.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be diagnosed with neurodegenerative AOS at the Mayo Clinic and be between the ages of 65 and 74. Unfortunately, people with other conditions that could affect speech, such as brain injuries or strokes, won't be included. Additionally, women who are pregnant, recently had a baby, or have certain medical conditions that may interfere with brain scans won't be able to participate. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo brain imaging tests and take part in assessments that evaluate your speech and language abilities. Your involvement will help researchers better understand this condition and potentially improve future treatments.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • We will study subjects that fulfill clinical inclusion criteria for neurodegenerative AOS that have been seen and diagnosed at Mayo Clinic
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Subjects with concurrent illnesses that could account for speech and language deficits, such as traumatic brain injury, strokes or developmental syndromes will be excluded.
• • Women that are pregnant or post-partum and breast-feeding will be excluded. All women who can become pregnant must have a pregnancy test no more than 48 hours before the PET scan.
• • Subjects will also be excluded if MRI is contraindicated (metal in head, cardiac pace maker, e.t.c.), if there is severe claustrophobia, if there are conditions that may confound brain imaging studies (e.g. structural abnormalities, including subdural hematoma or intracranial neoplasm), or if they are medically unstable or are on medications that might affect brain structure or metabolism,(e.g. chemotherapy).
• • Subjects will also be excluded if they do not have an informant, or do not consent to research.