Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Primary Progressive AphasiaThe purpose of this study is to further define the neurological and linguistic deterioration in primary progressive aphasia.
Identification of Graphic Markers of Neurocognitive Disorders (MG)
Alzheimer DiseasePrimary Progressive Aphasia1 moreThe diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders such as early Alzheimer's disease (AD) or primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is particularly difficult and constantly evolving, often leading to diagnostic erraticity. However, several studies have shown that graphic parameters are affected in people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. The use of new technologies in the study and analysis of the abilities of people with neurodegenerative diseases is increasingly recommended. The use of a digital tablet with a stylus makes it possible to objectivize the kinematic parameters of writing (pressure, inclination, speed, jerk, time of writing task) and thus would allow a low-cost diffusion of this technology in particular by including it in already existing screening batteries. The overall objective of the project is to characterize and compare the graphical markers of a writing task, either language-based (writing words, non-words, sentences) or non-language-based (drawing shapes), in patients with PPA, early-stage Alzheimer's disease (i.e., at the stage of minor neurocognitive disorders and major neurocognitive disorders at the beginning of the disease), and in people with no cognitive disorders.
Translation and Clinical Implementation of a Test of Language and Short-term Memory in Aphasia
AphasiaThis project aims to develop a clinically feasible version of a laboratory-developed assessment battery for language and verbal short-term memory difficulties in aphasia.
Brain-based Understanding of Individual Language Differences After Stroke
AphasiaStroke1 moreStrokes often cause a loss of communication ability, referred to as aphasia, as well as cognitive difficulties. Each stroke survivor has a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses in communication and cognition, and a unique course of recovery. The BUILD study aims to understand the brain basis of these individual differences in stroke outcome. Participants with stroke as well as controls matched in age, educational background, race, and sex are examined using a combination of standardized and in-house tests of language and cognition to provide a detailed profile of strengths and weaknesses. Each participant will have between three and six sessions, including an MRI to measure details of the structure, function, and connections in the brain. The data are analyzed to test how patterns in the stroke lesion explain the patterns of communication and cognitive difficulties, and how patterns in the uninjured parts of the brain explain resilience and recovery from the stroke. Ultimately, we hope that BUILD will guide us toward new targets for brain stimulation treatments or other biologically based treatments that improve language and cognitive abilities after stroke.
Language Processing and TMS
StrokeAphasia1 moreThis study will examine the effect of TMS on people with stroke and aphasia as well as healthy individuals.
Investigating Speech Sequencing in Neurotypical Speakers and Persons With Disordered Speech
StutteringDevelopmental2 morePersistent developmental stuttering affects more than three million people in the United States, and it can have profound adverse effects on quality of life. Despite its prevalence and negative impact, stuttering has resisted explanation and effective treatment, due in large part to a poor understanding of the neural processing impairments underlying the disorder. The overall goal of this study is to improve understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in speech motor planning and how these are disrupted in neurogenic speech disorders, like stuttering. The investigators will do this through an integrated combination of experiments that involve speech production, functional MRI, and non-invasive brain stimulation. The study is designed to test hypotheses regarding the brain processes involved in learning and initiating new speech sound sequences and how those processes compare in persons with persistent developmental stuttering and those with typical speech development. These processes will be studied in both adults and children. Additionally, these processes will be investigated in patients with neurodegenerative speech disorders (primary progressive aphasia) to further inform the investigators understanding of the neural mechanisms that support speech motor sequence learning. Together these experiments will result in an improved account of the brain mechanisms underlying speech production in fluent speakers and individuals who stutter, thereby paving the way for the development of new therapies and technologies for addressing this disorder.
Recovernow: Tablet-Based Speech Therapy For Post-Stroke Aphasia
Stroke SequelaeRECOVERNOW is A MULTICENTRE PHASE II RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF EARLY MOBILE TABLET-BASED SPEECH THERAPY FOR ACUTE STROKE PATIENTS WITH APHASIA. Using a novel futility design, investigators will randomize acute care in-patients with stroke to mobile tablet-based speech therapy applications vs the standard of care. Primary outcome is improvement in the Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia (WAB-R) Overall Study Aim: The primary study aim is to determine the futility and potential efficacy of mobile tablet-based speech therapy for post stroke aphasia. Primary Endpoint: The primary outcome measure is change in the Aphasia quotient (AQ) from the WAB-R at 90 days. The WAB-R is a standardized aphasia battery. The AQ is calculated from four language sub-tests measuring spontaneous speech, word comprehension, repetition, and word finding.) Secondary Endpoints: The results of the cost-effectiveness analysis will be expressed as the incremental cost per one-unit improvement in AQ and the incremental cost per one quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Population: 226 participants will be enrolled over 3 years. Males and females, >18 years of age, with diagnosis of acute ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by routine head computerized tomography (CT) scan with mild to moderate aphasia. Phase: II Number of Sites: It is anticipated that this will be a multi-center study, with the following facilities participating: The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta and Toronto Western Hospital. Protocol Therapy: Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either tablets with speech therapy apps (intervention group) or standard of care. Study Duration: It is estimated that recruitment will take place over 3 years in the three participating centers. Subject Participation Duration: All patients will be assessed clinically at baseline and Day 90 (+/-10).
BIIB092 in Primary Tauopathies: CBS, nfvPPA, sMAPT, and TES
Primary TauopathiesCorticobasal Degeneration Syndrome6 moreA Phase 1b, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Cohort Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Preliminary Efficacy Study of Intravenously Infused BIIB092 in Patients with Four Different Primary Tauopathy Syndromes
tDCS and Aphasia Therapy in the Chronic Phase After Stroke
Aphasia Following Cerebral InfarctionAphasia Following Nontraumatic Intracerebral HemorrhageThis study evaluates the neuromodulatory effect of combined tDCS and aphasia therapy in patients in the chronic phase after stroke. Half of the participants will receive aphasia therapy and tDCS, the other half will receive aphasia therapy and sham-tDCS.
tDCS and Aphasia Therapy in the Acute Phase After Stroke
Aphasia Following Cerebral InfarctionThis study evaluates the neuromodulatory effect of combined tDCS and aphasia therapy in patients in the acute stage after stroke. Half of the participants will receive aphasia therapy and tDCS, the other half will receive aphasia therapy and sham-tDCS.