Communication Bridge for Primary Progressive Aphasia

(CB3_1 Trial)

Overseen By Emily Cummings

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Chicago

Disqualifiers: Dementia, Outside speech therapy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 5 months

12 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of evidence-based interventions in individuals living with mild to moderate primary progressive aphasia (PPA) that address communication-focused outcomes.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Communication Bridge for Primary Progressive Aphasia?

The Communication Bridge Care Model, which is part of the treatment, focuses on improving communication and quality of life for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) through personalized strategies and technology use. Research on similar group communication treatments for PPA shows that participants gained confidence, improved communication skills, and increased participation in daily activities, suggesting that such approaches can be effective. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Communication Bridge treatment safe for humans?

The available research does not provide specific safety data for the Communication Bridge treatment, but it focuses on speech-language therapy and communication strategies, which are generally considered safe for humans. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How does the Communication Bridge treatment differ from other treatments for primary progressive aphasia?

The Communication Bridge treatment is unique because it focuses on person-centered care and uses a multicomponent approach that includes disease education, counseling, and tailored communication strategy training. It incorporates technology to help individuals with primary progressive aphasia improve their communication and quality of life, unlike other treatments that may not be as comprehensive or personalized. ^{1 2 9 10 11}

Research Team

Emily Roglaski, PhD

Principal Investigator

Professor of Neurology

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with mild to moderate primary progressive aphasia (PPA) or related conditions. Participants must speak English, have good enough vision and hearing for daily tasks, be able to use video conferencing and a web app, and not be too depressed based on a scale. Their communication partners also need to meet similar criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

My communication partner is 18 years old or older.

I can use video calls and the Communication Bridge™ app, with or without help.

I can hear well enough to talk with others in a noisy place.

Exclusion Criteria

My dementia diagnosis is not Primary Progressive Aphasia.

I am enrolled in a speech therapy program while participating in this study.

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

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive Communication Bridge™, a multi-component, participation-focused, dyadic intervention

5 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Communication Bridge

Trial Overview The study tests the 'Communication Bridge' intervention's effectiveness in improving communication abilities in individuals with PPA. It involves using evidence-based methods delivered through technology like video calls and a specialized web application.

Participant Groups

Group I: Communication Bridge™ Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants receive Communication Bridge™, a multi-component, participation-focused, dyadic intervention in which both the person with PPA and their co-enrolled communication partner are intervention recipients. Communication Bridge™ is modelled on the Living with Aphasia: Framework for Outcome Measurement (A-FROM) and the Care Pathway Model that was developed for persons living with primary progressive aphasia. Consistent with participation-focused intervention models personally salient training stimuli are incorporated into all therapy activities in the Experimental arm.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Chicago

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,086

Recruited

844,000+

Western University, Canada

Collaborator

Trials

270

Recruited

62,500+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials

1,841

Recruited

28,150,000+

Findings from Research

The Communication Bridge Care Model is designed to enhance communication and quality of life for individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) through person-centered care and tailored communication strategies.

This multicomponent approach incorporates technology and focuses on maximizing functional communication, offering practical applications across various treatment settings to support individuals with PPA.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Life Participation Approach to Primary Progressive Aphasia Intervention. Rogalski, EJ., Khayum, B.[2020]

The study developed a comprehensive training program called 'Better Conversations with primary progressive aphasia' for speech and language therapists, which includes seven online modules and a manual for communication partner training, based on extensive stakeholder consultation and co-production.

Key components of the training were identified, such as the use of video feedback and understanding the timing of interventions, which were informed by focus groups with individuals affected by primary progressive aphasia and their families, ensuring the program is tailored to their needs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using the Medical Research Council framework and public involvement in the development of a communication partner training intervention for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA): Better Conversations with PPA. Volkmer, A., Spector, A., Swinburn, K., et al.[2021]

A group treatment model for individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) was developed, incorporating strategies from augmentative communication and aphasia rehabilitation, and was delivered over 6 weeks to enhance communication skills.

Participants reported significant improvements in their understanding of PPA, increased use of multimodal communication, and greater confidence in daily activities, indicating that group training is an effective approach for supporting individuals with this condition.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group Communication Treatment for Individuals with PPA and Their Partners. Mooney, A., Beale, N., Fried-Oken, M.[2019]

A study involving 25 participants (12 individuals with primary progressive aphasia and 13 caregivers) showed that attending an education and support session significantly improved caregivers' knowledge about PPA and coping strategies.

Follow-up interviews revealed that caregivers felt less isolated and more supported, highlighting the importance of these sessions as a valuable part of care for individuals with PPA.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Primary Progressive Aphasia Education and Support Groups: A Clinical Evaluation. Taylor-Rubin, C., Azizi, L., Croot, K., et al.[2020]

The pilot study of the Better Conversations with PPA (BCPPA) program involved 18 participants with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their communication partners, showing that the intervention was well-received and had a high treatment fidelity of 87.2%.

Results indicated that BCPPA led to positive changes in conversation behaviors and communication goals, suggesting it is a promising intervention for improving communication in individuals with PPA, paving the way for a larger randomized controlled trial.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Results from a randomised controlled pilot study of the Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA) communication partner training program for people with PPA and their communication partners. Volkmer, A., Walton, H., Swinburn, K., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Life Participation Approach to Primary Progressive Aphasia Intervention. [2020]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using the Medical Research Council framework and public involvement in the development of a communication partner training intervention for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA): Better Conversations with PPA. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group Communication Treatment for Individuals with PPA and Their Partners. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

My experience of living with nonfluent/agrammatic variant primary progressive aphasia: Adaptations and strategies to improve quality of life. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Primary Progressive Aphasia Education and Support Groups: A Clinical Evaluation. [2020]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Results from a randomised controlled pilot study of the Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA) communication partner training program for people with PPA and their communication partners. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ethical and Practical Challenges of the Communication and Behavioral Manifestations of Primary Progressive Aphasia. [2023]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Multimodal Approach for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Progressive Aphasia (MAINSTREAM): A Study Protocol. [2023]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The 'Better Conversations with Primary Progressive Aphasia (BCPPA)' program for people with PPA (Primary Progressive Aphasia): protocol for a randomised controlled pilot study. [2022]

10. India pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Language Breakdown in Primary Progressive Aphasias. [2020]

11. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining the value of lexical retrieval treatment in primary progressive aphasia: two positive cases. [2023]