Communication Bridge 3 Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · Dec 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Communication Bridge 3 Study is a research trial looking at how effective speech-language therapy is for adults with mild to moderate Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a condition that affects the ability to communicate. The study aims to see how two different treatment methods can help improve communication skills in people with PPA. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with PPA and is between the ages of 65 and 85, you might be eligible to participate in this trial. Participants will be required to have adequate hearing and vision, be comfortable using technology for video calls, and have a supportive communication partner who also meets certain criteria.

Participants in the trial can expect to receive evidence-based speech therapy and to be involved in assessments that will help researchers understand the impact of the therapy on their communication abilities. It’s important to note that individuals with other types of dementia or those currently enrolled in other speech therapy programs won't be able to participate. If you’re interested in being part of this study, your medical records will be reviewed to confirm eligibility, and all participants will be monitored throughout the trial to ensure their safety and progress.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria (person with PPA):
• • 1. Meets diagnostic criteria for PPA based on neurologist and supporting medical assessments (extracted from medical records)
• • 2. English as primary language used in daily communication activities (by self-report)
• • 3. Adequate hearing (aided or unaided) for communicating with others in a crowded room (by self-report)
• • 4. Adequate vision (aided or unaided) for reading a newspaper, or other functional materials (by self-report)
• • 5. Able to pass technology screening and demonstrates sufficient knowledge for use of video conference and Communication Bridge™ web application use (with or without training)
• • 6. Geriatric Depression Scale score ≤ 9
• • 7. Mild-moderate PPA informed by a structured interview with a speech-language pathologist and a standardized testing battery.
• Inclusion Criteria (Co-enrolled communication partner):
• • 1. 18+ years of age
• • 2. English as primary language used in daily communication activities (by self-report)
• • 3. Adequate hearing (aided or unaided) for communicating with others in a crowded room (by self-report)
• • 4. Able to pass technology screening\* and demonstrates sufficient knowledge for use of video conference and Communication Bridge™ web application use (with or without training)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • A dementia diagnosis other than Primary Progressive Aphasia
• • Participation is co-enrolled in an outside speech language therapy program during the study course.
• • Communication partners will be excluded if they have a pre-existing communication impairment that would affect study participation (e.g., aphasia, dementia)
• • Medical records will be requested and reviewed to determine eligibility