Cortical Reorganisation in Chronic Aphasia: Brain correlates of Intensive Language Action Aphasia Therapy (ILAT)

After having a stroke, many people experience problems with speaking and understanding language, as well as with reading and writing. This is called aphasia. Often these problems improve over time, but many patients experience long-term communication problems (chronic aphasia). Treatment for chronic aphasia is very limited and many people no longer have access to therapy despite having persistent problems in communication.

The principle aims of this research are to scientifically test a short-term form of aphasia therapy- Intensive Language Action Aphasia Therapy (ILAT), by comparing the results to those of conventional therapy. ILAT is carried out in groups of 3-4 patients and 2 therapists with around 3 hours of therapy per day for 10 consecutive workdays. The therapy involves card games where players practice communication skills which are relevant for everyday life, such as making requests or planning activities.

The study involves participating in either intensive ILAT or intensive conventional therapy for 2 consecutive weeks and undergoing a series of clinical language tests and brain scanning sessions (EEG/MEG and fMRI) to measure any brain changes due to intensive speech and language therapy.

We are looking for people who suffer with chronic aphasia after stroke to participate in therapy, brain imaging and language assessments.

The study will take place at Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge and at the Medical Research Council, Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge.

If you would be interested in gaining more information about this study, please do not hesitate to contact either:

Stephanie Difrancesco, BSc Psychology, PhD student

Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University

East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK

Stephanie.difrancesco@student.anglia.ac.uk

0845 196 2794begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0845 196 2794 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Dr. Bettina Mohr, Reader in Psychology

Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University

East Road, Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK

Bettina.mohr@anglia.ac.uk

0846 196 2258begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0846 196 2258 end_of_the_skype_highlighting