Enhancing Neural Plasticity for Recovery from Aphasia

Investigating the effects of promising aphasia interventions on brain function to inform therapies for stroke survivors

Full Project Name:Enhancing Neural Plasticity for Recovery from AphasiaPrincipal Investigator:Jeffrey R. Binder, MD, NeurologyCo-Investigator(s):Sara B. Pillay, PhD, Neurology
Priyanka Shah-Basak, PhD, NeurologyAward Amount:$283,737

Award Date

July2021

Project Duration:36 months

Project Summary:

Strokes are the most common cause of death and disability among neurological and psychiatric disorders, both nationally and in Wisconsin. Aphasia, or the inability to communicate, is a specific and devastating outcome of strokes that affects approximately 30% of people with stroke, making it one of the most prevalent causes of serious long-term disability. Current therapies for aphasia provide only modest benefits, and there is a great need to develop more effective methods to help people with this condition recover their language.

Through this award, researchers will conduct the first detailed, large-scale assessment of three promising interventions and their effects on brain function to inform approaches to aphasia therapy and focus future research in this area.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Launched the Intensive Program for Aphasia Therapy (IPAT) service as the only program of its kind in Wisconsin, offering cutting-edge, evidence-based intensive therapy for aphasia
Engaged 29 participants in the research study and documented objective improvements on reading and naming skills as well as on patient communication confidence measures and family ratings of functional communication abilities
Demonstrated complex changes in brain connectivity that accompany language-based noninvasive electrical stimulation of the brain (tDCS) have persisted for at least two months after therapy, which is a novel observation
Developed a community group for people with aphasia and their caregivers, allowing members to socialize and learn in a supportive setting led by a speech pathologist and neuropsychologist and expanding access to supportive, ongoing community connection for patients and families that often feel very disconnected and isolated as a result of aphasia
Leveraged $485,000 and disseminated study findings through five publications and 13 presentations