NCT07219680 · Maya Henry
Intervention for Communication Quality of Life in Primary Progressive Aphasia
(Multi-PA)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a personalized, multi-component, virtual speech language treatment program can improve communication and quality of life for adults with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their primary communication partners. The study will enroll participants who speak English and/or Spanish.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a personalized, multi-component, virtual speech language treatment program can improve communication and quality of life for adults with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their primary communication partners. The study will enroll participants who speak English and/or Spanish. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Is the telerehabilitation program feasible and acceptable for people with PPA and their study partners? * Do participants with PPA and study partners find treatment beneficial? * What patterns of treatment response are seen in participants? * Which outcome measures are most useful for evaluating changes in communication and quality of life? Researchers will compare participants who receive intervention immediately to participants assigned to a waitlist control group (who will receive treatment after a delay) to see whether participation in the treatment program is associated with improvements in communication and quality of life. Participants will: * Take part in speech language therapy sessions delivered by video visit that combine restorative, compensatory, and partner-focused communication strategies. Treatment may take place after a waiting period. * Receive education and communication training together with their partner. * Complete speech, language, and cognitive assessments. * Complete questionnaires about communication abilities, daily functioning, and quality of life.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Multicomponent Lexical Retrieval Cascade Training
In person or via teletherapy: A multi-component treatment incorporating elements of restitutive, compensatory, and care-partner focused interventions. Participants work on producing names of personally relevant targets in multiple communication modalities. Biweekly (45-90 minute) sessions with a clinician target multimodal communication and the use of strategies to support word retrieval. These skills are also trained via daily independent practice. The participant meets six times during the course of treatment with a study partner (e.g., spouse) for communication counseling, education, and practice of communication strategies.
BEHAVIORAL
Multicomponent Video Implemented Script Training in Aphasia
In person or via teletherapy: A multi-component treatment incorporating elements of restitutive, compensatory, and care-partner focused interventions. Treatment focuses on production of individually-tailored, personally relevant scripts. The participant completes 30 minutes per day of independent practice, during which they speak in unison with a video model. Biweekly (45-90 minute) sessions with a clinician target clear and accurate script production, memorization, and conversational usage, as well as multimodal communication. The participant meets six times during the course of treatment with a study partner (e.g., spouse) for communication counseling, education, and practice of communication strategies.
Primary outcome measures
Change in spoken naming of trained/untrained items
Time frame: change from pre-treatment or waitlist to post-treatment or waitlist (12-13 weeks), and follow-up at 3 months post-treatment
Percent correctly named trained/untrained pictures
Change in script production accuracy
Time frame: change from pre-treatment or waitlist to post-treatment or waitlist (12-13 weeks), and follow-up at 3 months post-treatment
Percent correct intelligible, scripted words for trained/untrained scripts
Change in barriers and facilitators in dyad conversation
Time frame: change from pre-treatment or waitlist to post-treatment or waitlist (12-13 weeks), and follow-up at 3 months post-treatment
Number of conversation barriers and facilitators observed in conversation
Communication Modality Inventory
Time frame: change from pre-treatment or waitlist to post-treatment or waitlist (12-13 weeks), and follow-up at 3 months post-treatment
A likert-type survey characterizing frequency and type of communication modalities used in conversation, administered to both the person with PPA and their conversation partner.
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
- for Persons with PPA:
- A PPA (Gorno-Tempini et al., 2011) or "PPA-plus" (Mesulam et al., 2001) diagnosis
- MMSE score of 15 or higher and must be able to produce single monosyllabic words intelligibly
- Must speak English, Spanish or both languages (i.e., bilingual speakers of English or Spanish)
- Hearing and vision adequate for participation in teleconference meetings
- Must have a study partner available (someone who will commit to attending teleconference sessions, as needed, during assessment and treatment phases) Inclusion criteria for Care Partners:
- Partners must express willingness to attend and participate in assessment and treatment sessions, including those targeting dyadic communication goals
- Partners must speak English, Spanish or both languages (i.e., bilingual speakers of English or Spanish)
- Partner's hearing and vision should be adequate for participation in teleconference meetings The participant and/or study partner must have basic experience using a computer.
Exclusion criteria
- for persons with PPA:
- Other central nervous system or medical diagnosis that can account for symptoms
- Psychiatric diagnosis that can account for symptoms
Where
- Austin, Texas
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Aging (NIA)
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 Apr 21, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations