Communication Disorders

Difficulties with speech and language are the first and most notable symptoms of primary progressive aphasia (PPA). While there is evidence that demonstrates positive effects of speech-language treatment for individuals with PPA who only speak one language (monolinguals), there is a significant need for investigating the effects of treatment that is optimized for bilingual speakers with PPA. This stage 2 efficacy clinical trial seeks to establish the effects of culturally and linguistically tailored speech-language interventions administered to bilingual individuals with PPA. The overall aim of the intervention component of this study is to establish the relationships between the bilingual experience (e.g., how often each language is used, how "strong" each language is) and treatment response of bilinguals with PPA. Specifically, the investigators will evaluate the benefits of tailored speech-language intervention administered in both languages to bilingual individuals with PPA (60 individuals will be recruited). The investigators will conduct an assessment before treatment, after treatment and at two follow-ups (6 and 12-months post-treatment) in both languages. When possible, a structural scan of the brain (magnetic resonance image) will be collected before treatment in order to identify if brain regions implicated in bilingualism are associated with response to treatment. In addition to the intervention described herein, 30 bilingual individuals with PPA will be recruited to complete behavioral cognitive-linguistic testing and will not receive intervention. Results will provide important knowledge about the neural mechanisms of language re-learning and will address how specific characteristics of bilingualism influence cognitive reserve and linguistic resilience in PPA.

The overall objective of this study is to develop an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) system that is effective in delivering a person-centric communication device that will provide a versatile access method that can automatically learn and adapt to the user's physical abilities by creating a personalized, comprehensive keyboard interface for communication, not otherwise available to people in need of alternative communication.

The study aims to improve the quality of prosthetic intervention and verify the adequacy of assistive devices, and measurement outcomes. Fifty patients in need of prosthetic interventions for Augmentative Alternative Communication, computer accessibility, and environmental control will be recruited within the DAT Unit of the Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi "IRCCS S.Maria Nascente" in Milan. At baseline (T0) a physician and a psychologist will perform a clinical evaluation and the AT outcome assessment. The participants will be contacted for the follow-up phase (T1) 3 to 6 months after having received the assistive solution. At T1 clinicians will readminister the AT outcome assessment. In order to make the assessment accessible to all participants, these tests and questionnaires will be administered on Windows PCs, using Grid3 software, or on a specifically created accessible web page.

This study evaluates the impact of early tracheostomy speaking valve intervention on communication ability, depression levels, and quality of life in ventilator-dependent patients during the weaning phase. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group using the Passy-Muir speaking valve or a control group employing standard non-verbal communication methods. Structured questionnaires will be used at multiple time points to assess changes in patient outcomes. The study aims to provide evidence supporting the use of speaking valves to enhance communication and emotional well-being in tracheostomy patients, potentially improving recovery and care strategies.