Speech Therapy for Primary Progressive Aphasia

(Multi-PA Trial)

Overseen By Grasso Lab Research Coordinator

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin

Disqualifiers: Other CNS, psychiatric, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 9-11 weeks

25 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether online, personalized speech therapy can improve communication for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a type of dementia affecting speaking and understanding language. The study tests if the therapy, which includes Multicomponent Lexical Retrieval Training and Multicomponent Video Implemented Script Training in Aphasia, is easy to use and beneficial for both patients and their care partners, who will also receive training. Participants will complete online speech tasks and surveys before and after the program to measure improvements. Suitable candidates for this trial are English or Spanish speakers diagnosed with PPA, who can say simple words clearly, and have a care partner available to join the sessions. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance communication strategies for PPA patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this speech-language telerehabilitation program is safe for people with primary progressive aphasia?

Previous studies have shown that people generally handle Multicomponent Lexical Retrieval Training and Multicomponent Video Implemented Script Training in Aphasia well. Research shows these speech-language therapies are practical and acceptable for those with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This means people with PPA can use these therapies without major problems.

The studies reported no serious side effects, suggesting these treatments are safe, especially since they do not involve surgery or other invasive procedures. The studies aim to improve communication, which is crucial for people with PPA. Participants have responded positively to these therapies, finding them helpful for enhancing communication skills.

Overall, current research supports these therapies as safe and potentially beneficial for people with PPA. However, as with any treatment, individual experiences may vary. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for Primary Progressive Aphasia because they offer innovative, structured approaches to improving communication skills. Unlike standard speech therapy, which may focus on general language practice, Multicomponent Lexical Retrieval Training (Multi-LRT) specifically targets word-finding difficulties by using personalized training materials. On the other hand, Multicomponent Video Implemented Script Training in Aphasia (Multi-VISTA) utilizes video modeling to help patients practice and retain conversational scripts, potentially making it easier for them to communicate effectively in everyday situations. These tailored methods not only aim to enhance the effectiveness of therapy but also provide patients with practical tools to improve their quality of life.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for primary progressive aphasia?

This trial will compare two treatments for primary progressive aphasia (PPA): Multicomponent Lexical Retrieval Training and Multicomponent Video Implemented Script Training in Aphasia. Studies have shown that Multicomponent Lexical Retrieval Training helps people with PPA find words more easily, with patients noticing immediate improvements and some maintaining these benefits over time. This training aids in naming tasks, which are crucial for communication.

In contrast, Multicomponent Video Implemented Script Training in Aphasia improves communication skills by using video scripts to practice conversations. Studies found it effective in helping individuals with non-fluent PPA communicate better. Both treatments in this trial aim to enhance communication, making life easier for those with PPA. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Maya L Henry, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Texas - Austin

Stephanie M Grasso, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Texas - Austin

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English or Spanish speakers with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and related conditions, such as frontotemporal dementia and various types of aphasia. Participants should be experiencing communication difficulties due to PPA. Care partners are also involved in the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants with speech/language-led must have a PPA or 'PPA-plus' diagnosis

All participants must have a care partner available

The participant and/or study partner must have basic experience using a computer

Exclusion Criteria

Psychiatric diagnosis that can account for symptoms

I have a condition that explains my symptoms, not related to my CNS.

I have significant vision problems that haven't been corrected.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo speech-language telerehabilitation and training for care partners

9-11 weeks

Online sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in communication and quality of life

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Multicomponent Lexical Retrieval Training
• Multicomponent Video Implemented Script Training in Aphasia

Trial Overview The trial tests a speech-language telerehabilitation program tailored for individuals with PPA. It includes virtual therapy sessions, tasks, questionnaires, and training for care partners to improve communication quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Waitlist Control Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Individuals in the waitlist-control group will undergo initial assessment followed by a waiting interval of 10 (Multi-VISTA) or 12 (Multi-LRT) weeks. Following the waiting period, they will again complete baseline assessments prior to the treatment phase (co-development of training materials and Multi-VISTA or Multi-LRT treatment).

Group II: Immediate Treatment Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Individuals in the immediate treatment group will undergo initial assessment followed immediately by the treatment phase (co-development of training materials and Multi-VISTA or Multi-LRT treatment).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Texas at Austin

Lead Sponsor

Trials

387

Recruited

86,100+

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Collaborator

Trials

2,896

Recruited

8,053,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06649084

Primary Progressive Aphasia Multicomponent Language ... The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a speech-language telerehabilitation helps improve communication in people with primary progressive aphasia ...

2. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/braincomms/article/7/5/fcaf295/8246427

A multi-modal approach for the treatment of non-fluent ... The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation applied to the dorsolateral ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6802912/

Treatment for Word Retrieval in Semantic and Logopenic ... This study documents positive naming treatment outcomes for a group of individuals with PPA, demonstrating strong direct treatment effects, maintenance of ...

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/multicomponent-language-treatment-for-primary-progressive-aphasia-4d80f

Multicomponent Language Treatment for Primary ... Lexical retrieval treatments for individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) have shown immediate benefits, with some participants maintaining these ...

5. alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.70088

Efficacy of Communication Bridge‐2 for primary progressive ... Outcomes demonstrate the feasibility and initial efficacy of a person-centered telemedicine intervention for maximizing communication participation.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11947768/

A randomized controlled trial of communication intervention Outcomes demonstrate the feasibility and initial efficacy of a person‐centered telemedicine intervention for maximizing communication ...

7. alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14362

An international core outcome set for primary progressive ... The Research Outcome Measurement in Aphasia ROMA-COS identified five essential outcome constructs and appropriate measurement instruments that ...