Understanding Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia

This observational study aims to better understand how language and the brain change in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a condition that affects language abilities. Researchers want to learn more about the behavioral, brain, and body changes that happen over time in PPA. You may be able to join if you have a diagnosis of PPA, are right-handed, a native English speaker, and can safely have an MRI scan. The study will look at how your thinking abilities change over time. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 500 participants. It is not a treatment study.
What's involved
Participants will have a three-day research program including tests of thinking, brain scans (MRI and PET), and language tests. You may be asked to return every two years for repeat testing.
Compensation
For participants not living near Chicago, IL, flights and accommodations for you and a companion will be covered.
Follow-up
Participants may be asked to return every two years to complete the same measures.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT00537004

Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia

Recruiting
Not specifiedAll AgesObservational
Northwestern University
~500 participants
Updated 2026-02-27 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Neuropsychological variables
Measured over Immediately after testing and at two years post-testing
Primary Progressive Aphasia
1 sites across 1 states
Illinois1
  • Marsel Mesulam, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Northwestern University

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia
Right-handed
Native English speaker
Visual acuity of 20/30 corrected
Adequate hearing to follow conversation
Safe for an MRI scan

Exclusion

Left-handedness
Claustrophobia
Presence of significant medical illness that initially or in the future could interfere with continued participation in the study
  • Neuropsychological variablesImmediately after testing and at two years post-testing