Beschreibung
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a brain disorder that leads to severe impairment of language (i.e., producing and comprehending words and sentences), resulting in substantially reduced participation in everyday life and well-being. There is currently no cure for PPA, but scientific research suggests that individually-tailored language therapy can have positive effects on language functions, the ability to com-municate with others, and quality of life. The effects of these treatments can be further increased and prolonged by combining them with so-called “non-invasive brain stimulation”. For example, administering a weak electrical current to the brain through the scalp, which is a safe procedure, can make the brain “more receptive” for the effects of language therapy. However, to be effective, the combined treatments need to be received frequently (e.g., multiple times per week) over several weeks, straining the time and monetary resources of patients and their families and of the health care system. Also, many patients, especially in rural areas, are not able to travel repeatedly to rehabilitation centers offering such special-ized treatments. In the planned project, we aim to facilitate access to effective treatments for patients with PPA by using technological aids that will allow us to treat the patients remotely, in their own homes.
We will adapt a highly effective language therapy and brain stimulation program, developed by our group, in such a way that it can be executed via a tablet computer and a mobile brain stimulation device under close remote supervision by a therapist. The core of the program is a computer-based naming therapy, that will be combined with a training of communication strategies relevant for everyday life. A trained speech therapist will provide treatment via the internet. We will also work with the manufacturer of the brain stimulation device, to make it easy and comfortable for patients or their carers to administer the stimulation. The project has two main goals: (1) first, we will repeatedly consult with patients, their carers and patient advocacy groups to identify specific needs and potential barriers with regard to how assess-ments and therapy will be conducted. This information will be used to optimize the existing treatment program for home-based use and patients with primary progressive aphasia. (2) Subsequently, we will implement and test the procedures and technology in a small group of patients in their homes to find out how well their needs and wishes have been considered and make further adjustments, if necessary. With this iterative process, we aim to enhance adherence to this novel treatment program, its effectiveness and ultimately patient benefit.