Alexia Study: Understanding the Brain Basis of Reading
Why should I participate?
The ability to read is fundamental to living in modern society. Loss of reading ability due to stroke or neurodegenerative disease, called alexia, likely affects over a million Americans at any given time and causes loss of functioning in daily life. This NIH-funded project aims to improve our understanding of the behavioral and brain organization of reading by examining individuals with PPA and AD. With this new knowledge, we hope to improve the diagnosis and treatment of reading deficits.
What is involved?
Initial evaluation:
6 - 8 language testing sessions (2 sessions per week for 3 to 4 weeks)
MRI session (optional)
Follow-up evaluation after approximately 8 months:
6 - 8 testing sessions (2 sessions per week for 3 to 4 weeks)
MRI session (optional)
Sessions may take place at Georgetown University (reserved, free parking); at home; or via telerehabilitation (equipment provided).
No drugs are involved.
$40 is offered for each testing session; $70 for the MRI session.
You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:
1. Diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
2. At least 40 years old
3. At least 10 years of education
4. First language is English, or learned English by age 5
5. Ability to follow spoken instructions
6. Medically stable
7. No history of additional neurologic problems
8. No significant history of substance abuse or psychiatric problems
If you meet all of the requirements above, please contact us by phone or email to inquire about participating, or fill out the Participant Interest Form below.