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American Journal of Speech-language... Jan 2022Person-centered approaches promote consistent use of supportive technology and feelings of empowerment for people with disabilities. Feature personalization is an aspect...
BACKGROUND
Person-centered approaches promote consistent use of supportive technology and feelings of empowerment for people with disabilities. Feature personalization is an aspect of person-centered approaches that can affect the benefit people with aphasia (PWA) derive from using text-to-speech (TTS) technology as a reading support.
AIMS
This study's primary purpose was to compare the comprehension and processing time of PWA when performing TTS-supported reading with preferred settings for voice, speech output rate, highlighting type, and highlighting color versus unsupported reading. A secondary aim was to examine initial support and feature preference selections, preference changes following TTS exposure, and anticipated functional reading activities for utilizing TTS technology.
METHOD AND PROCEDURE
Twenty PWA read passages either via written text or text combined with TTS output using personally selected supports and features. Participants answered comprehension questions, reevaluated their preference selections, and provided feedback both about feature selections and possible future TTS technology uses.
OUTCOMES AND RESULTS
Comprehension accuracy did not vary significantly between reading conditions; however, processing time was significantly less in the TTS-supported condition, thus suggesting TTS support promoted greater reading speed without compromising comprehension. Most participants preferred the TTS condition and several anticipated benefits when reading lengthy and difficult materials. Alterations to initial settings were relatively rare.
CONCLUSIONS
Personalizing TTS systems is relevant to person-centered interventions. Reading with desired TTS system supports and features promotes improved reading efficiency by PWA compared with reading without TTS support. Attending to client preferences is important when customizing and implementing TTS technology as a reading support.
Topics: Aphasia; Comprehension; Humans; Reading; Speech; Technology
PubMed: 34941376
DOI: 10.1044/2021_AJSLP-21-00182 -
Seminars in Speech and Language Feb 2017This article reviews existing research on the interactions between verbal short-term memory and language processing impairments in aphasia. Theoretical models of... (Review)
Review
This article reviews existing research on the interactions between verbal short-term memory and language processing impairments in aphasia. Theoretical models of short-term memory are reviewed, starting with a model assuming a separation between short-term memory and language, and progressing to models that view verbal short-term memory as a cognitive requirement of language processing. The review highlights a verbal short-term memory model derived from an interactive activation model of word retrieval. This model holds that verbal short-term memory encompasses the temporary activation of linguistic knowledge (e.g., semantic, lexical, and phonological features) during language production and comprehension tasks. Empirical evidence supporting this model, which views short-term memory in the context of the processes it subserves, is outlined. Studies that use a classic measure of verbal short-term memory (i.e., number of words/digits correctly recalled in immediate serial recall) as well as those that use more intricate measures (e.g., serial position effects in immediate serial recall) are discussed. Treatment research that uses verbal short-term memory tasks in an attempt to improve language processing is then summarized, with a particular focus on word retrieval. A discussion of the limitations of current research and possible future directions concludes the review.
Topics: Aphasia; Comprehension; Humans; Language; Linguistics; Memory, Short-Term; Psychological Theory; Serial Learning; Verbal Learning
PubMed: 28201834
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597261 -
Seminars in Speech and Language Feb 2016AphasiaBank has used a standardized protocol to collect narrative, procedural, personal, and descriptive discourse from 290 persons with aphasia, as well as 190 control... (Review)
Review
AphasiaBank has used a standardized protocol to collect narrative, procedural, personal, and descriptive discourse from 290 persons with aphasia, as well as 190 control participants. These data have been transcribed in the Codes for the Human Analysis of Transcripts (CHAT) format for analysis by the Computerized Language Analysis (CLAN) programs. Here, we review results from 45 studies based on these data that investigate aphasic productions in terms of these eight areas: discourse, grammar, lexicon, gesture, fluency, syndrome classification, social factors, and treatment effects. For each area, we also indicate how use of the CLAN programs has facilitated the analysis. We conclude with an examination of ways in which the size of the database could be increased through on-site recordings and data from teletherapy.
Topics: Adult; Aphasia; Databases, Factual; Female; Gestures; Humans; Language; Linguistics; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult
PubMed: 26882361
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1571357 -
International Journal of Language &... Jan 2021Spelling difficulty is a common symptom of aphasia and can entail editing difficulties. Previous research has shown that extensive editing is related to a lower...
INTRODUCTION
Spelling difficulty is a common symptom of aphasia and can entail editing difficulties. Previous research has shown that extensive editing is related to a lower production rate in text writing for persons with aphasia, yet editing difficulty is not commonly examined. It is not known if editing difficulty is related to reading and writing skills or to aspects of the word.
AIMS
To analyse spelling and editing processes as well as errors in a dictation task performed by Swedish-speaking adults with post-stroke aphasia. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify any relationships between spelling and editing difficulties and characteristics of individual words. Finally, relationships between successful edits and reading and phonological ability were investigated and specific editing strategies or behaviours identified. Correlation analyses were performed between measures of spelling and editing and word frequency and length as well as participants' scores on tests of reading, phonological spelling and phonological decoding.
METHODS & PROCEDURES
A total of 16 Swedish speaking participants with post-stroke aphasia wrote a word-dictation task in a keystroke logging program and were tested for phonological spelling, phonological decoding and reading ability. Spelling errors were categorized and analysed.
OUTCOMES & RESULTS
The most common error type was omission of letter(s) and there was evidence of aphasia-specific writing errors. Both spelling and editing difficulty were related to word frequency and word length. Successful editing was related to participants' scores on the phonological spelling task, but not to phonological decoding or reading ability. Specific editing strategies could be identified, and some strategies were individual, while others were more commonly used.
CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS
Word length and word frequency should be taken into consideration in spelling tests for persons with aphasia, and the presence of editing difficulty should be taken into account when assessing spelling difficulties. Treatment for writing difficulties in aphasia should include training in successful editing strategies and individual fitting of digital writing aids. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject Post-stroke aphasia often causes writing and spelling difficulties. Spelling difficulties may entail editing difficulties, in turn causing extensive and/or unsuccessful editing. Extensive editing is known to impede productivity in text writing. Still, editing behaviour, abilities relating to editing or what features of a word that causes editing difficulty has not been investigated for persons with aphasia. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study adds an in-depth analysis of spelling ability, spelling errors and editing behaviour for persons with aphasia, using keystroke logging and a single-word dictation task. Results showed that both features of the target word (frequency and word length) and the individual abilities of the person with aphasia (score on a phonological spelling task) related to spelling and editing difficulty, editing behaviour and successful editing. Specific editing strategies were analysed and described. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Word length and word frequency should be taken into consideration when testing single-word spelling for persons with aphasia. When assessing spelling difficulties, both correctness of spelling as well as the presence and nature of any editing difficulties should be taken into account and treatment for writing difficulties in should include training in successful editing strategies. The fitting of digital writing aids for persons with aphasia should be individual, since many of the editing strategies used were individual.
Topics: Aphasia; Dyslexia; Humans; Language; Phonetics; Reading; Writing
PubMed: 33368870
DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12591 -
Neurologia Sep 2022In the context of neurological disorders, language assessment is traditionally based on the use of the standard language of the community in which the assessment is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In the context of neurological disorders, language assessment is traditionally based on the use of the standard language of the community in which the assessment is performed. Dialectal variables constitute a "forgotten" topic. This review aims to provide resources and working guidelines to overcome this limitation.
DEVELOPMENT
The study was conducted as follows: 1) review of basic concepts of dialectology (language, dialect, isogloss line, idiolect, register, "standard variant," bilingualism); 2) characterisation of Spanish and Catalan dialectologies and search for online resources for the development of neurological assessment tools; 3) ad hoc search on the PubMed database (keywords: "dialect," "aphasia," and "multilingual").
CONCLUSIONS
We provide online resources to promote adequate development of assessment tools in Spanish and Catalan, accounting for dialectal considerations. We propose a set of working guidelines for the introduction of dialectal variables in language tests to ensure their ultimate objective: to evaluate the real use of the language, and not cultural knowledge of the standard language.
Topics: Aphasia; Humans; Language; Multilingualism; Neurology
PubMed: 34509402
DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2019.07.007 -
Neurologia Sep 2022In the context of neurological disorders, language assessment is traditionally based on the use of the standard language of the community in which the assessment is... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
In the context of neurological disorders, language assessment is traditionally based on the use of the standard language of the community in which the assessment is performed. Dialectal variables constitute a 'forgotten' topic. This review aims to provide resources and working guidelines to overcome this limitation.
DEVELOPMENT
The study was conducted as follows: 1) review of basic concepts of dialectology (language, dialect, isogloss line, idiolect, register, 'standard variant', bilingualism); 2) characterisation of Spanish and Catalan dialectologies and search for online resources for the development of neurological assessment tools; 3) ad hoc search on the PubMed database (keywords 'dialect', 'aphasia' and 'multilingual').
CONCLUSIONS
We provide online resources to promote adequate development of assessment tools in Spanish and Catalan, accounting for Dialectal considerations. We propose a set of working guidelines for the introduction of Dialectal variables in language tests to ensure their ultimate objective: to evaluate the real use of the language, and not cultural knowledge of the standard language.
Topics: Humans; Language; Aphasia; Neurology
PubMed: 31780323
DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2019.07.002 -
Stroke Oct 2019
Review
Topics: Aphasia; Clinical Trials as Topic; Humans; Stroke
PubMed: 31510904
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.119.025290 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Jan 2022Aphasia, an acquired language disorder, commonly results from a stroke affecting network of cortical and subcortical structures. Aphasia lacks effective standardised... (Review)
Review
Aphasia, an acquired language disorder, commonly results from a stroke affecting network of cortical and subcortical structures. Aphasia lacks effective standardised treatment. Neuroimaging and behavioural research indicate that some interventions promote neuroplasticity changes in aphasia. Research has suggested that non-invasive brain stimulation may be effective, causing functional reorganisation of language areas between the two hemispheres. This reorganisation evolves from different researches exploring novel procedures, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and intracranial direct current stimulation, which may modulate cortical activity in aphasia. The current narrative review was planned to assess these techniques while examining the casual role of specific regions of brain and the understanding of the underlying mechanism for treatment effects of brain stimulation. Literature was explored on search engines and databases, like Medline, Web of Science and bibliography of published studies. The key words used for the search were 'non-invasive brain stimulation', 'post-stroke aphasia', 'transcranial magnetic stimulation' and 'transcranial direct current stimulation'. Of the 175 publications downloaded, 40(23%) full-text English publications were reviewed.
Topics: Aphasia; Brain; Humans; Stroke; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
PubMed: 35099450
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.2277 -
Neuroepidemiology 2022A decrease in ischemic stroke (IS) incidence has been observed in high income countries during the last decades. Whether this has influenced the occurrence of aphasia in...
INTRODUCTION
A decrease in ischemic stroke (IS) incidence has been observed in high income countries during the last decades. Whether this has influenced the occurrence of aphasia in IS is uncertain. We therefore examined the incidence rate and potentially related determinants of aphasia in IS.
METHODS
We prospectively examined consecutive patients admitted to hospital with first-ever acute IS between March 1, 2017, and February 28, 2018, as part of the Lund Stroke Register (LSR) Study, comprising patients from the uptake area of Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden. Patients were assessed with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at stroke onset. Presence of aphasia was evaluated with NIHSS item 9 (language). We registered IS subtypes and risk factors. To investigate possible temporal changes in aphasia incidence, we made comparisons with corresponding LSR data from 2005 to 2006. Incidence rates were calculated and adjusted to the European Standard Population (ESP) and to the Swedish population.
RESULTS
Among 308 included IS patients, 30% presented with aphasia (n = 91; 95% CI: 25-35), a proportion of aphasia in IS that was similar to 2005-2006. The incidence rate of aphasia was 31 per 100,000 person-years adjusted to the ESP (95% CI: 25-38 per 100,000 person-years) corresponding to a significant decrease of 30% between 2005-2006 and 2017-2018. The decrease was significantly more pronounced in men. The initial severity of aphasia remained unchanged, with the majority of patients having severe to global aphasia. No significant differences between vascular stroke risk factors were noted among stroke patients with or without aphasia.
CONCLUSION
Even though the overall IS incidence rate has decreased during the first decades of the 21st century, the proportion of IS patients with aphasia at stroke onset remains stable at 30%. Aphasia continues to be an important symptom that needs to be considered in stroke care and rehabilitation.
Topics: Aphasia; Humans; Incidence; Ischemic Stroke; Male; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 35320798
DOI: 10.1159/000524206 -
Behavioural Neurology 2023Neural plasticity promotes the reorganization of language networks and is an essential recovery mechanism for poststroke aphasia (PSA). Neuroplasticity may be a pivotal... (Review)
Review
Neural plasticity promotes the reorganization of language networks and is an essential recovery mechanism for poststroke aphasia (PSA). Neuroplasticity may be a pivotal bridge to elucidate the potential recovery mechanisms of acupuncture for aphasia. Therefore, understanding the neuroplasticity mechanism of acupuncture in PSA is crucial. However, the underlying therapeutic mechanism of neuroplasticity in PSA after acupuncture needs to be explored. Excitotoxicity after brain injury affects the activity of neurotransmitters and disrupts the transmission of normal neuron information. Thus, a helpful strategy of acupuncture might be to improve PSA by affecting the availability of these neurotransmitters and glutamate receptors at synapses. In addition, the regulation of neuroplasticity by acupuncture may also be related to the regulation of astrocytes. Considering the guiding significance of acupuncture for clinical treatment, it is necessary to carry out further study about the influence of acupuncture on the recovery of aphasia after stroke. This study summarizes the current research on the neural mechanism of acupuncture in treating PSA. It seeks to elucidate the potential effect of acupuncture on the recovery of PSA from the perspective of synaptic plasticity and integrity of gray and white matter.
Topics: Humans; Aphasia; Stroke; Acupuncture Therapy; White Matter; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 37091130
DOI: 10.1155/2023/9445381