Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice
Published on: March 11, 2020
Talking Mats in a discussion group for people with Huntington's disease
Lisa Hallberg1, Elin Mellgren, Lena Hartelius
1Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Division of Speech and Language Pathology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Purpose:
To evaluate the function of Talking Mats (TM) in a discussion group for people with Huntington's disease (HD).
Method:
Four persons with HD and their group leader participated. The group was videotaped during four discussions, two with and two without TM. A mixed method quantitative and qualitative study was implemented by evaluating the conversations using the protocol Effectiveness Framework of Functional Communication by analyzing the number of follow-up questions and by post discussion interviews.
Results:
The results showed improved effectiveness of communication for all participants and an increased number of follow-up questions, both from the group leader and from some of the participants. All participants and the leader were positive regarding the use of TM but there were also drawbacks.
Conclusions:
TM could be useful in discussion groups for people with HD. An increased number of follow-up questions when TM is used may lead to a deeper understanding within the group. This study is the first of its kind and more research in the area is needed. [Box: see text].
Related Concept Videos
Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction

