Neurobiology of Language Recovery in Aphasia: Natural History and Treatment-Induced Recovery

Naming Impairments (Anomia):

The labs of Dr. Swathi Kiran (Boston University) and Dr. David Caplan (Harvard University,
Massachusetts General Hospital) will be studying language recovery in adults with anomia
(naming impairments) following a stroke. Participants will receive treatment focusing on the
semantic features of common objects (e.g., that birds can fly). The study will examine how
naming and other language abilities change in response to treatment, as well as how the brain
changes, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other techniques.

Spelling/Writing Impairments (Dysgraphia):

At Johns Hopkins University, the lab of Dr. Brenda Rapp will investigate the neurobiology of
language recovery in individuals with dysgraphia (spelling/writing impairments) resulting
from a stroke. In this study, treatment will focus on improving spelling ability. The study
will examine how spelling and other language abilities change in response to treatment, as
well as how the brain changes, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other
techniques.

Deficits in Sentence Comprehension & Production:

Dr. Cynthia Thompson's lab at Northwestern University will investigate language recovery in
individuals with deficits in sentence production and comprehension. Treatment focuses on
production and comprehension of complex sentences. At baseline (week 0) and after the
treatment period (at week 12), participants take part in language, eye-tracking, and MRI
testing, in order to learn how the processing of language, as well as brain function, changes
as a result of treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Aphasia following a stroke

- Stoke was at least 1 year ago

- Medically stable

- Right-handed

- Normal or 'corrected to normal' vision and hearing

- English as primary language

- At least a high school education

Exclusion Criteria:

- History of neurological disease, head trauma, psychiatric disorders, alcoholism, or
developmental speech, language, or learning disabilities