Studying Semantic Therapy Effects for Adults with Mild to Moderate Primary Progressive Semantic Aphasia Using SCED Method

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates a semantic rehabilitation program for patients with primary progressive semantic aphasia PPA, a neurodegenerative condition that causes gradual loss of word meaning, general knowledge, and concept access. The study uses the Single Case Experimental Design SCED methodology to evaluate the therapys effect, which allows detailed individual analysis and includes repeated measurements with randomized treatment introduction. Semantic rehabilitation through semantic feature analysis has shown promise in other types of aphasia, but its use in neurodegenerative PPA remains less studied and methodologically challenging. Participants will undergo two study phases Phase A involves lexico-phonological training exercises lasting 6 to 8 weeks, consisting of 18 to 24 sessions of speech therapy, each 45 minutes long, conducted three times per week. Phase B follows with 5 weeks of semantic re-education therapy focusing on semantic trait analysis, also delivered in 15 sessions of 45 minutes each, three times weekly. Throughout both phases, oral naming tasks are repeatedly measured every second session to track progress. During the study, participants will attend regular speech therapy sessions over both phases and complete oral naming tests during these visits. The researchers will measure speaking performance before Phase A, immediately after Phase B, and one month post-intervention to assess maintenance of improvements. The trial aims to offer personalized therapy tailored to individual needs and evaluates its effectiveness through detailed, repeated assessments over approximately 11 to 13 weeks in total.

Semantic Rehabilitation for Patients With Primary Progressive Semantic Aphasia