NCT06700005 · Georgetown University
ReadMap: Reading in Stroke Alexia and Typical Aging
(ReadMap)
What this study is about
Loss of reading ability due to stroke, called alexia, likely affects over a million Americans at any given time and causes difficulty performing many daily life functions, such as paying bills, using email/text, reading for pleasure, and reading signs in the community. Understanding the brain and cognitive basis of alexia could improve diagnosis and treatment of this important problem.
View original scientific description
Loss of reading ability due to stroke, called alexia, likely affects over a million Americans at any given time and causes difficulty performing many daily life functions, such as paying bills, using email/text, reading for pleasure, and reading signs in the community. Understanding the brain and cognitive basis of alexia could improve diagnosis and treatment of this important problem. In this study, the investigators will perform a large-scale behavioral and brain imaging study of stroke survivors and typical older adults to improve our understanding of the brain and cognitive basis of reading in both of these groups. Participants will complete a battery of tests of reading, speech, language, and thinking abilities. In addition, some participants will complete an MRI. Sessions will be completed across approximately 2-6 weeks, but may be extended depending on participants' schedules and availability. Some participants will be invited to repeat these procedures once or twice in approximately 3-12 months to monitor for changes in reading abilities and MRI measurements over time.
Primary outcome measures
MP-RAGE (Magnetization Prepared Rapid Acquisition Gradient Echo)
Time frame: Collected within 1 month of behavioral testing
Part of MRI sequence that measures deep grey matter structure.
DTI (Diffusion Tensor Imaging)
Time frame: Collected within 1 month of behavioral testing
Part of MRI sequence that measures the rate of water diffusion between cells to understand and create a map of internal structures.
Behavioral testing
Time frame: Collected within 1 month of MRI
Battery of standard clinical and in-house behavioral tests to measure speech, language, and cognition. Final score is derived from principle components analysis.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Stroke Survivors:
- Learned English at 8 years or younger
- Brain injury resulting from stroke Controls:
- 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
- Claustrophobia
Where
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Collaborators
MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 21, 2024 · Source of record for eligibility and locations