ReadMap: Reading in Stroke Alexia and Typical Aging

Launched by GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY · Nov 18, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ReadMap study is researching how strokes can affect reading abilities, a condition known as alexia, which impacts many people's daily lives, such as reading bills or using email. The goal is to better understand how the brain works when it comes to reading, both in people who have had strokes and in older adults who haven't had strokes. By doing this, researchers hope to improve how alexia is diagnosed and treated. Participants will undergo a series of tests that look at reading, speech, language, and thinking skills. Some will also have an MRI scan of their brain. This process will take about 2 to 6 weeks, with some individuals possibly returning for follow-up tests in a few months.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 18 years old and have learned English by age 8. Stroke survivors must have a history of stroke, while control participants should not have had a stroke. There are some conditions that would exclude someone from participating, such as other brain disorders or significant psychiatric issues. It's important to note that certain physical conditions, like having metal in the body, can prevent someone from having an MRI. This study is currently looking for volunteers, and anyone interested in learning more or participating should reach out for additional information.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• Stroke Survivors:
• • Age \>= 18
• • Learned English at 8 years or younger
• • Brain injury resulting from stroke
• Controls:
• • Age \>= 18
• • Learned English at 8 years or younger
• Exclusion criteria for all groups:
• • History of other brain disorder that could interfere with our ability to interpret results (e.g., Multiple sclerosis, dementia, head injury causing loss of consciousness)
• • Severe psychiatric condition that would interfere with participation in the study
• • History of diagnosed learning disorder
• • Hearing or vision loss that interferes with performance on behavioral tests even after correction with glasses/hearing aids.
• • Inability to follow study procedures despite maximal support
• Additional exclusion criteria for MRIs:
• • Presence of metal in the body that is incompatible with MRI
• • Pregnancy
• • Claustrophobia