What is Primary Progressive Aphasia?

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical dementia syndrome that is caused by neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease or a form of Frontemporal Lobar Degeneration. Below, we break down the PPA term to uncover how each word contributes to the definition of the syndrome.

Primary

Impairment is prominent in a single domain (language) with relative sparing of other domains early on (e.g., memory, personality and perception)

Progressive

The impairment will get worse over time, since it is caused by neurodegenerative disease

Aphasia

Refers to the language impairment that individuals experience

What is Communication Bridge?

The goal of the Communication Bridge Research Program is to develop optimal evidence-based strategies to maximize communication participation and quality of life and minimize burden for persons with PPA and related dementias and their communication partner(s).

We aim to achieve this goal by measuring the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions through rigorous clinical trials and related research methods. Our interventions are informed by:

• Previous research
• Existing clinical care models
• Individuals and family members/communication partners impacted by PPA and related dementias
• Key community members and stakeholder

Can I Participate in the Communication Bridge Research Program?

Yes! The Communication Bridge Research Program has multiple opportunities to participate in research. No travel is required; all study visits take place over the Internet in your home. Current research studies are designed for individuals with PPA and their communication partners. We aim to expand these programs in the future.

 Active/Future Research Studies for individuals with PPA and their communication partners include:

• Communication Bridge 3 Clinical Trial
• Focus groups, surveys, and other feedback studies that will help to optimize and inform current and future interventions and care.

How Do I Get Involved?

If you or somebody you know might be interested, please contact us at:

Phone: 1-855-824-7887

Email: cbtrial@uchicago.edu

If you are interested in other research opportunities and news from the HAARC Center, consider joining our research registry.