Defense Date

6-4-2014

Graduation Date

Summer 2014

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MS

Department

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

School

Rangos School of Health Sciences

Committee Chair

Sarah E. Wallace

Committee Member

Mikael D.Z. Kimelman

Committee Member

Caterina F. Staltari

Abstract

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by language and cognitive decline. Word retrieval deficits are the most common PPA symptom, and contribute to impaired verbal expression. Intense semantic interventions show promise for improving word retrieval in people with PPA. Additionally, people with PPA may learn to use alternative communication modalities when they are unable to retrieve a word. However, executive function impairments can cause people to struggle to switch among modalities to repair communication breakdowns. This study examined the effects of a combined semantic feature analysis and multimodal communication program (SFA+MCP) on word retrieval accuracy and switching among modalities in a person with PPA. Changes in word retrieval accuracy and switching were minimal. However, the listeners' identification of the participant's communication attempts was more accurate following treatment, suggesting increased overall communicative effectiveness. These results have implications for the design of future PPA intervention studies.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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