Brain Research on Chronic Aphasia
(Kurland BRoCA Lab)
Recently funded test development study:
NIH/NIDCD GRANT (1 R21 DC020265-01): (“Phase III Development of a Valid, Reliable, Clinically Feasible Measure of Transactional Success in Aphasic Conversation: Modernizing Methods of Acquisition and Analysis of Discourse Data”)
This award has two major goals:
1) To demonstrate the reliability of the “Brief Assessment of Transactional Success” in conversation in aphasia (BATS) and its validity in assessing transactional success; and 2) To advance state-of-the-art study of discourse in aphasia.
**FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE STUDY SEE flyer**
To participate in this study (either as a person with aphasia, or a non-aphasic conversation partner), contact:
Polly Stokes, M.S., CCC-SLP
(413) 658-5905
pestokes@umass.edu
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Completed funded treatment study:
NIH/NIDCD Grant (1 R01 DC011526-01A1): “Overcoming Learned Non-Use in Chronic Aphasia: Behavioral, fMRI, and Quality of Life Outcomes”
This longitudinal study will examine short- and long-term treatment-induced behavioral and neuroplastic changes as observed with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and effects on quality of life, in 24 participants with chronic moderate-to-severe aphasia, before and after intensive language therapy.
For more information, visit the UMass Media Press Release (In the Loop) or listen to the story on NEPR.
BRoCA LAB GOALS:
- Developing a test of communication success in aphasia
- Understanding mechanisms supporting brain reorganization in poststroke aphasia
- Investigating the effects of treatment variables on neuroplasticity
- Investigating the effect of bilingualism on aphasia recovery
- Examining individual differences in stroke recovery
- Examining individual differences and effects of age, gender, and handedness on language behaviors in healthy, non-brain damaged individuals
- Promoting functional independence and improved quality of life for individuals with neurogenic communication disorders and their families