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Robinaugh G, Henry ML, Cavanaugh R, Grasso SM. Computer-Based Naming Treatment for Semantic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia With History of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Single-Case Experimental Design. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2024; 67:524-544. [PMID: 38319636 PMCID: PMC11000793 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a self-administered naming treatment for one individual, B.N., presenting with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) and a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD Naming treatment included components of Lexical Retrieval Cascade Treatment and was self-administered using an adaptive spaced retrieval software, Anki. Using a multiple-baseline, single-case experimental design, naming accuracy probes were taken during pretreatment, treatment, posttreatment, and follow-up (through 12 months) for 60 trained words and 10 untrained words. Item-level Bayesian generalized mixed-effects models were used to estimate (a) the treatment effect for trained words, (b) change in untrained words, and (c) maintenance of treatment effects from posttreatment to each subsequent follow-up. RESULTS Statistical analyses revealed that a gain of 35 out of 60 trained words (35.3; 90% CI [30.6, 39.5]) was directly attributable to treatment. Following treatment, evidence of generalization to untrained words was not observed. During the follow-up period, there was gradual decline in naming accuracy of trained items. CONCLUSIONS The positive treatment results reported here support the use of self-administered naming treatments for those with svPPA and a history of TBI. Although the utility of this treatment approach is constrained by patient factors including motivation, self-administered naming treatments represent a unique opportunity to expand access to speech-language intervention for people with svPPA, including those with concomitant diagnoses. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25119080.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Robinaugh
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Maya L. Henry
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin
| | | | - Stephanie M. Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin
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2
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de Grosbois J, Canthiya L, Philipp-Muller AE, Hickey NK, Hodzic-Santor B, Heleno MC, Jokel R, Meltzer JA. Asynchronous, online spaced-repetition training alleviates word-finding difficulties in aphasia. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2023; 33:1672-1696. [PMID: 36378584 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2143822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Word-finding difficulties for naming everyday objects are often prevalent in aphasia. Traditionally, treating these difficulties has involved repeated drilling of troublesome items with a therapist. Spaced repetition schedules can improve the efficiency of such training. However, spaced repetition in a therapy environment can be both difficult to implement and time-consuming. The current study evaluated the potential utility of automated, asynchronous, online spaced repetition training for the treatment of word-finding difficulties in individuals with aphasia. Twenty-one participants completed a two-week training study, completing approximately 60 minutes per day of asynchronous online drilling. The training items were identified using a pretest, and word-finding difficulties were evaluated both at the end of training (i.e., a post-test) and four weeks later (i.e., a retention test). The trained items were separated into three different spaced-repetition schedules: (1) Short-spacing; (2) Long-spacing; and (3) Adaptive-spacing. At the retention-test, all trained items outperformed non-trained items in terms of accuracy and reaction time. Further, preliminary evidence suggested a potential reaction time advantage for the adaptive-spacing condition. Overall, online, asynchronous spaced repetition training appears to be effective in treating word-finding difficulties in aphasia. Further research will be required to determine if different spaced repetition schedules can be leveraged to enhance this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- John de Grosbois
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lathushikka Canthiya
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron E Philipp-Muller
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Natasha K Hickey
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Madeline C Heleno
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Regina Jokel
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jed A Meltzer
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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3
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Wauters LD, Croot K, Dial HR, Duffy JR, Grasso SM, Kim E, Schaffer Mendez K, Ballard KJ, Clark HM, Kohley L, Murray LL, Rogalski EJ, Figeys M, Milman L, Henry ML. Behavioral Treatment for Speech and Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia and Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2023:10.1007/s11065-023-09607-1. [PMID: 37792075 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09607-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and primary progressive apraxia of speech (PPAOS) are neurodegenerative syndromes characterized by progressive decline in language or speech. There is a growing number of studies investigating speech-language interventions for PPA/PPAOS. An updated systematic evaluation of the treatment evidence is warranted to inform best clinical practice and guide future treatment research. We systematically reviewed the evidence for behavioral treatment for speech and language in this population. Reviewed articles were published in peer-reviewed journals through 31 May 2021. We evaluated level of evidence, reporting quality, and risk of bias using a modified version of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Levels of Evidence, an appraisal point system, additional reporting quality and internal/external validity items, and, as appropriate, the Single Case Experimental Design Scale or the Physiotherapy Evidence Database - PsycBITE Rating Scale for Randomized and Non-Randomized Controlled Trials. Results were synthesized using quantitative summaries and narrative review. A total of 103 studies reported treatment outcomes for 626 individuals with PPA; no studies used the diagnostic label PPAOS. Most studies evaluated interventions for word retrieval. The highest-quality evidence was provided by 45 experimental and quasi-experimental studies (16 controlled group studies, 29 single-subject designs). All (k = 45/45) reported improvement on a primary outcome measure; most reported generalization (k = 34/43), maintenance (k = 34/39), or social validity (k = 17/19) of treatment for at least one participant. The available evidence supports speech-language intervention for persons with PPA; however, treatment for PPAOS awaits systematic investigation. Implications and limitations of the evidence and the review are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Wauters
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Karen Croot
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Heather R Dial
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Joseph R Duffy
- Department of Neurology, Division of Speech Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Stephanie M Grasso
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Esther Kim
- US Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, T6G 2R3, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Kirrie J Ballard
- Faculty of Medicine & Health and Brain & Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Heather M Clark
- Department of Neurology, Division of Speech Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55902, USA
| | - Leeah Kohley
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Laura L Murray
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Emily J Rogalski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA
- Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, 60611, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mathieu Figeys
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Lisa Milman
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Maya L Henry
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 2504A Whitis Ave. (A1100), 78712, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA.
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Robinaugh G, Henry ML. Behavioral interventions for primary progressive aphasia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2022; 185:221-240. [PMID: 35078600 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823384-9.00011-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by a gradual loss of communication ability. Due to the centrality of communication deficits, speech-language pathologists play a prominent role in the provision of care for individuals with PPA. In this chapter, we outline a person-centered approach to the management of PPA that aims to preserve independence for as long as possible while anticipating future decline in communication and other domains. A growing evidence base supports the utility of speech-language treatment approaches in PPA, including restitutive, compensatory, and communication partner-focused techniques. Restitutive interventions aim to rebuild lost communication skills, such as naming or fluent speech production. Compensatory approaches include training with high- and low-tech augmentative and alternative communication systems that provide complementary means of communication beyond speech. Communication partner interventions focus on education and strategy training in order to equip conversation partners as skilled communication facilitators. Throughout intervention, clinicians should aim to provide treatment that impacts functional communication and promotes social engagement. Given the documented benefits of speech-language intervention in PPA, we are optimistic that such treatment will become the standard of care and that additional research will continue to improve the quality and accessibility of behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Robinaugh
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Maya L Henry
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Texas, Austin, TX, United States.
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Semantic Variant Primary Progressive Aphasia: Practical Recommendations for Treatment from 20 Years of Behavioural Research. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11121552. [PMID: 34942854 PMCID: PMC8699306 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
People with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) present with a characteristic progressive breakdown of semantic knowledge. There are currently no pharmacological interventions to cure or slow svPPA, but promising behavioural approaches are increasingly reported. This article offers an overview of the last two decades of research into interventions to support language in people with svPPA including recommendations for clinical practice and future research based on the best available evidence. We offer a lay summary in English, Spanish and French for education and dissemination purposes. This paper discusses the implications of right- versus left-predominant atrophy in svPPA, which naming therapies offer the best outcomes and how to capitalise on preserved long-term memory systems. Current knowledge regarding the maintenance and generalisation of language therapy gains is described in detail along with the development of compensatory approaches and educational and support group programmes. It is concluded that there is evidence to support an integrative framework of treatment and care as best practice for svPPA. Such an approach should combine rehabilitation interventions addressing the language impairment, compensatory approaches to support activities of daily living and provision of education and support within the context of dementia.
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Machado TH, Carthery-Goulart MT, Campanha AC, Caramelli P. Cognitive Intervention Strategies Directed to Speech and Language Deficits in Primary Progressive Aphasia: Practice-Based Evidence from 18 Cases. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101268. [PMID: 34679333 PMCID: PMC8533834 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practice-based evidence can inform and support clinical decision making. Case-report series about the implementation of programs in real-world clinical settings may contribute to verifying the effectiveness of interventions for treating PPA in specific contexts, as well as illustrating challenges that need to be overcome. OBJECTIVE To describe and provide practice-based evidence on the effectiveness of four cognitive rehabilitation programs designed for individuals with PPA and directed to speech and language impairments, which were implemented in a specialized outpatient clinic. METHODS Multiple single-case study. Eighteen individuals with different subtypes of PPA were each assigned to one out of four training programs based on comprehensive speech and language assessments. The treatments targeted naming deficits, sentence production, speech apraxia, and phonological deficits. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were undertaken to compare trained and untrained items. Gains were generalized to a different task in the first two types of intervention (naming and sentence production). A follow-up assessment was conducted 1-8 months after treatment among 7 participants. RESULTS All individuals presented better performance in the trained items at the post-test for each rehabilitation program accomplished, demonstrating that learning of the trained strategies was achieved during the active phase of treatment. For 13 individuals, statistical significance was reached; while for five, the results were maintained. Results about untrained items, generalization to other tasks, and follow-up assessments are presented. CONCLUSIONS The positive results found in our sample bring some practice-based evidence for the benefits of speech and language treatment strategies for clinical management of individuals with PPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais Helena Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- Av Prudente de Morais, 290-Sala 1106, Belo Horizonte 30380-002, MG, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria Teresa Carthery-Goulart
- Grupo de Estudos em Neurociência da Linguagem e Cognição, Núcleo Interdisciplinar de Neurociência Aplicada, Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição da Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09210-580, SP, Brazil;
- Grupo de Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Divisão de Clínica Neurológica, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
- INCT-ECCE (Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia sobre Comportamento, Cognição e Ensino), Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Carvalho Campanha
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
| | - Paulo Caramelli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurologia Cognitiva e do Comportamento, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 30130-100, MG, Brazil;
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Pagnoni I, Gobbi E, Premi E, Borroni B, Binetti G, Cotelli M, Manenti R. Language training for oral and written naming impairment in primary progressive aphasia: a review. Transl Neurodegener 2021; 10:24. [PMID: 34266501 PMCID: PMC8282407 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-021-00248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a gradual, insidious and progressive loss of language abilities, with naming difficulties being an early and persistent impairment common to all three variants. In the absence of effective pharmacological treatments and given the progressive nature of the disorder, in the past few decades, many studies have investigated the effectiveness of language training to minimize the functional impact of word-finding difficulties in daily life. MAIN BODY We review language treatments most commonly used in clinical practice among patients with different variants of PPA, with a focus on the enhancement of spoken and written naming abilities. Generalization of gains to the ability to name untrained stimuli or to other language abilities and the maintenance of these results over time are also discussed. Forty-eight studies were included in this literature review, identifying four main types of language treatment: a) lexical retrieval treatment, b) phonological and/or orthographic treatment, c) semantic treatment, and d) a multimodality approach treatment. Overall, language training is able to induce immediate improvements of naming abilities in all variants of PPA. Moreover, despite the large variability among results, generalization and long-term effects can be recorded after the training. The reviewed studies also suggest that one factor that determines the choice of a particular approach is the compromised components of the lexical/semantic processing system. CONCLUSION The majority of studies have demonstrated improvements of naming abilities following language treatments. Given the progressive nature of PPA, it is essential to apply language treatment in the early stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Pagnoni
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Gobbi
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Premi
- Vascular Neurology Unit, Department of Neurological and Vision Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Borroni
- Neurology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuliano Binetti
- MAC Memory Clinic and Molecular Markers Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Cotelli
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Rosa Manenti
- Neuropsychology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
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Lasaponara S, Marson F, Doricchi F, Cavallo M. A Scoping Review of Cognitive Training in Neurodegenerative Diseases via Computerized and Virtual Reality Tools: What We Know So Far. Brain Sci 2021; 11:528. [PMID: 33919244 PMCID: PMC8143131 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis are heterogeneous in their clinical profiles and underlying pathophysiology, although they typically share the presence of cognitive impairment that worsens significantly during the course of the disease. Viable pharmacological options for cognitive symptoms in these clinical conditions are currently lacking. In recent years, several studies have started to apply Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools to try and contrast patients' cognitive decay over time. However, no in-depth literature review of the contribution of these promising therapeutic options across main neurodegenerative diseases has been conducted yet. The present paper reports the state-of-the-art of CCT and VR studies targeting cognitive impairment in most common neurodegenerative conditions. Our twofold aim is to point out the scientific evidence available so far and to support health professionals to consider these promising therapeutic tools when planning rehabilitative interventions, especially when the access to regular and frequent hospital consultations is not easy to be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Lasaponara
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (F.D.)
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, 00193 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Marson
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, 06081 Assisi, Italy;
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Doricchi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (F.D.)
- Department of Neuropsychology, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Cavallo
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
- Clinical Psychology Service, Saint George Foundation, 12030 Cavallermaggiore, Italy
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Cotelli M, Manenti R, Ferrari C, Gobbi E, Macis A, Cappa SF. Effectiveness of language training and non-invasive brain stimulation on oral and written naming performance in Primary Progressive Aphasia: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:498-525. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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10
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de Aguiar V, Zhao Y, Ficek BN, Webster K, Rofes A, Wendt H, Frangakis C, Caffo B, Hillis AE, Rapp B, Tsapkini K. Cognitive and language performance predicts effects of spelling intervention and tDCS in Primary Progressive Aphasia. Cortex 2019; 124:66-84. [PMID: 31838450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Predictors of treatment effects allow individual tailoring of treatment characteristics, thereby saving resources and optimizing outcomes. Electrical stimulation coupled with language intervention has shown promising results in improving language performance in individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). The current study aimed to identify language and cognitive variables associated with response to therapy consisting of language intervention combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Forty individuals with PPA received written naming/spelling intervention combined with anodal tDCS or Sham, using a between-subjects, randomized design, with intervention delivered over a period of 3 weeks. Participants were assessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests before and after each phase. We measured letter accuracy during spelling of trained and untrained words, before, immediately after, 2 weeks, and 2 months after therapy. We used step-wise regression methods to identify variables amongst the neuropsychological measures and experimental factors that were significantly associated with therapy outcomes at each time-point. For trained words, improvement was related to pre-therapy scores, in RAVLT (5 trials sum), pseudoword spelling, object naming, digit span backward, spatial span backward and years post symptom onset. Regarding generalization to untrained words, improvement in spelling was associated with pseudoword spelling, RAVLT proactive interference, RAVLT immediate recall. Generalization effects were larger under tDCS compared to Sham at the 2-month post training measurement. We conclude that, for trained words, patients who improve the most are those who retain for longer language skills such as sublexical spelling processes (phoneme-to-grapheme correspondences) and word retrieval, and other cognitive functions such as executive functions and working memory, and those who have a better learning capacity. Generalization to untrained words occurs through improvement in knowledge of phoneme-to-grapheme correspondences. Furthermore, tDCS enhances the generalizability and duration of therapy effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vânia de Aguiar
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine; Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen.
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
| | | | - Kimberly Webster
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine; Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
| | - Adrià Rofes
- Centre for Language and Cognition Groningen (CLCG), University of Groningen; Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Haley Wendt
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine
| | | | - Brian Caffo
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
| | - Argye E Hillis
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine; Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Brenda Rapp
- Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University
| | - Kyrana Tsapkini
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Medicine; Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University
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11
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Lavoie M, Bier N, Laforce R, Macoir J. Improvement in functional vocabulary and generalization to conversation following a self-administered treatment using a smart tablet in primary progressive aphasia. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2019; 30:1224-1254. [PMID: 30714482 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2019.1570943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Currently, public services in speech-language pathology for primary progressive aphasia (PPA) are very limited, although several interventions have been shown to be effective. In this context, new technologies have the potential to enable people with PPA to improve their communication skills. The main aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a self-administered therapy using a smart tablet to improve naming of functional words and to assess generalization to an ecological conversation task. Five adults with PPA completed the protocol. Using an ABA design with multiple baselines, naming performance was compared across four equivalent lists: (1) trained with functional words; (2) trained with words from a picture database; (3) exposed but not trained; and (4) not exposed (control). Treatment was self-administered four times a week for a period of four consecutive weeks. A significant improvement for trained words was found in all five participants, and gains were maintained two months post-treatment in four of them. Moreover, in three participants, evidence of generalization was found in conversation. This study supports the efficacy of using a smart tablet to improve naming in PPA and suggests the possibility of generalization to an ecological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Lavoie
- Département de réadaptation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche CERVO - Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Bier
- École de réadaptation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Robert Laforce
- Clinique interdisciplinaire de mémoire, CHU de Québec-Hôpital de l'Enfant-Jésus, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Joël Macoir
- Département de réadaptation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre de recherche CERVO - Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
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12
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Kielar A, Deschamps T, Jokel R, Meltzer JA. Abnormal language-related oscillatory responses in primary progressive aphasia. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018; 18:560-574. [PMID: 29845004 PMCID: PMC5964832 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Patients with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) may react to linguistic stimuli differently than healthy controls, reflecting degeneration of language networks and engagement of compensatory mechanisms. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to evaluate oscillatory neural responses in sentence comprehension, in patients with PPA and age-matched controls. Participants viewed sentences containing semantically and syntactically anomalous words that evoke distinct oscillatory responses. For age-matched controls, semantic anomalies elicited left-lateralized 8–30 Hz power decreases distributed along ventral brain regions, whereas syntactic anomalies elicited bilateral power decreases in both ventral and dorsal regions. In comparison to controls, patients with PPA showed altered patterns of induced oscillations, characterized by delayed latencies and attenuated amplitude, which were correlated with linguistic impairment measured offline. The recruitment of right hemisphere temporo-parietal areas (also found in controls) was correlated with preserved semantic processing abilities, indicating that preserved neural activity in these regions was able to support successful semantic processing. In contrast, syntactic processing was more consistently impaired in PPA, regardless of neural activity patterns, suggesting that this domain of language is particularly vulnerable to the neuronal loss. In addition, we found that delayed peak latencies of oscillatory responses were associated with lower accuracy for detecting semantic anomalies, suggesting that language deficits observed in PPA may be linked to delayed or slowed information processing. Evaluated induced oscillations in patients with PPA using MEG. PPA patients showed delayed latencies and attenuated amplitude of responses. Preserved right hemisphere regions support semantic processing. Delayed latencies of oscillatory responses associated with impaired performance. Language deficits in PPA linked to delayed or slowed information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kielar
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - T Deschamps
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - R Jokel
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J A Meltzer
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Health Sciences Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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