Semantic Feature Analysis Treatment for Aphasia

Launched by VA PITTSBURGH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · Dec 31, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different versions of a treatment called Semantic Feature Analysis to help people with aphasia, which is a condition that makes it hard to speak or find the right words after a stroke. The goal is to see which version of this treatment works better in improving patients' ability to name objects and communicate. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups, and researchers will use tests to measure their progress, as well as brain scans to understand how the treatment helps.

To be eligible for this study, participants should be at least six months post-stroke, have some difficulty with speaking, and be able to manage daily activities independently or have someone to help them. Participants should also be English speakers and not currently receiving other speech therapy. It's important to note that individuals with certain conditions, like a stroke on the right side of the brain or severe speech disorders, cannot take part in this trial. Those who join can expect to engage in an intensive treatment schedule designed to improve their communication skills, and their progress will be carefully monitored throughout the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 6 months post-onset of aphasia due to unilateral left-hemisphere (LH) stroke
• • Independent in activities of daily living (ADLs) necessary to live in community-based housing or available caregiver to assist with ADLs
• • Medically stable and able to tolerate intensive treatment schedule (e.g. no uncontrolled seizures, difficulty breathing, frequent migraines)
• • English as a first language
• • No participation in any other speech-language treatment during this study, including follow-up period
• • Sufficient auditory comprehension abilities demonstrated during screening
• • Sufficient naming impairment exhibited during screening
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Right Hemisphere stroke
• • Neurological disease other than stroke
• • Significant psychiatric disorder
• • Severe motor speech disorder
• • Active substance dependence