Modified script training for nonfluent/agrammatic primary progressive aphasia with significant hearing loss: A...

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Neurogenic communication disorders
• Audiology

Background:

• Individuals with hearing loss and neurogenic communication disorders present unique, understudied treatment challenges.
• Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) with concurrent hearing loss requires specialized therapeutic approaches.
• Existing speech-language interventions may not adequately address combined sensory and cognitive-linguistic impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of a modified Video Implemented Script Training for Aphasia (VISTA) intervention.
• To assess the impact of VISTA on communication outcomes for an individual with nonfluent/agrammatic PPA and severe-to-profound hearing loss.
• To determine the long-term maintenance of treatment effects.

Main Methods:

• A single-case experimental design was employed.
• The modified VISTA intervention incorporated orthographic input and rehearsal strategies.
• Outcomes measured included script production accuracy, speech intelligibility, grammatical complexity, mean length of utterance, and speech rate.

Main Results:

• The modified VISTA intervention yielded positive outcomes in script production and related communication measures.
• Treatment effects were comparable to previous studies on script training in PPA patients with normal hearing.
• Follow-up data at 3, 6, and 12 months confirmed sustained treatment effects for trained scripts.

Conclusions:

• Modified VISTA is a viable treatment for individuals with primary progressive aphasia and significant hearing loss.
• Simple modifications to speech-language interventions can expand therapeutic options for complex patient profiles.
• This study pioneers tailored interventions for individuals with concomitant sensory and communication impairments.