Modeling Treated Recovery From Aphasia

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States, and aphasia is common
following a stroke to the left hemisphere of the brain. Aphasia therapy can improve aphasia
recover; however, very little is known about how different patients respond to different
types of treatments.

The purpose of this study is to understand how the following factors influence an
individual's response to aphasia treatment: 1) biographical factors (e.g., age, education,
gender), 2) post-stroke cognitive/linguistic abilities and learning potential, and 3) the
location and extent of post-stroke brain damage. We are also interested in understanding the
kinds of treatment materials that should be emphasized in speech/language treatment.

Overall, the goal of the current research is to inform the clinical management of post-stroke
aphasia by identifying factors that can predict how an individual will respond to different
treatment methods.