Pseudoword Learning for Aphasia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new word-learning task for individuals with aphasia, a language disorder often caused by a stroke. The researchers aim to understand how neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and adapt, affects recovery from aphasia. Participants will engage in a pseudoword learning paradigm task, learning to identify novel objects through audio cues. The study seeks to improve future treatments and outcomes for those with aphasia. Ideal candidates are right-handed English speakers who have experienced a single ischemic stroke and have been diagnosed with aphasia. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance future aphasia treatments.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that standard stroke treatments like Plavix, aspirin, beta-blockers, diabetes medications, cholesterol-lowering agents, thrombolytics, and anticoagulation agents are allowed.
What prior data suggests that this pseudoword learning paradigm task is safe for patients with aphasia?
Research has shown that learning new words can help people with aphasia, a condition affecting language skills after a stroke. Similar activities in other studies have been safe and well-received. For instance, intensive language training has improved language abilities in people with long-term aphasia, and these studies did not report any major safety issues.
In this trial, the pseudoword learning task provides a structured way to practice language skills. Participants engage in exercises that help them learn to match sounds with objects. Although this method is new, it does not involve drugs or invasive procedures, so the risk of side effects remains very low.
Overall, the activities in this trial resemble those used in other safe language therapy methods. Participants should not expect any harmful effects from these tasks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the pseudoword learning paradigm task for aphasia because it offers a novel approach to language rehabilitation. Unlike traditional speech therapy methods that often focus on re-learning known words, this task involves learning entirely new pseudowords, creating fresh neural pathways. The interactive and engaging nature of the task, with immediate feedback through happy or sad faces, helps reinforce learning in a fun way. Additionally, the randomized trials and counter-balanced design minimize learning biases, potentially leading to more robust and long-lasting improvements in word recognition and retention.
What evidence suggests that the pseudoword learning paradigm task is effective for aphasia?
Studies have shown that people with aphasia can still learn new words, including "pseudowords," which are made-up words used for practice. This trial will use an experimental word-learning task to assess this ability. Research indicates that successfully learning these words links to better language treatment results for individuals with aphasia. Brain scans suggest that learning pseudowords can activate and reorganize brain areas involved in language. This process may boost neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to change and heal itself, potentially leading to better language skills. Findings also suggest that the ability to learn new words varies among individuals and can be influenced by factors like memory capacity.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Haley Dresang, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 40-90 who have had a single ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory, resulting in aphasia. They must be right-handed (before the stroke), proficient in English, and able to consent. The study includes those with recent strokes for one part and those within 12 months post-stroke for other parts. Exclusions include significant vision/hearing loss, non-standard stroke treatments, other major medical/neurological disorders, uncontrolled psychiatric issues, or substance abuse.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in a word-learning task for aphasia, including 210 trials across 7 learning blocks, with assessments of semantic, phonological, and verb processing abilities
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in language abilities and neuroplasticity biomarkers post-stroke
Long-term follow-up
Participants' aphasia recovery and neuroplasticity biomarkers are evaluated to support future multi-site studies
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Pseudoword learning paradigm task
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Collaborator