Feasibility study of Internet video-based speech-language activity for outpatients with primary progressive aphasia

Abstract

Background Primary progressive aphasia is a clinical dementia syndrome secondary to neurodegenerative disease characterized by language-related difficulties. Currently, there is no effective treatment for language impairment in primary progressive aphasia. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility of Internet video-based speech-language activities for this condition. Methods Twenty-three people with primary progressive aphasia (pwPPA) participated in the study and were provided with twelve speech-language activity videos on a dedicated website, with three sessions per week. The group that chose to continue with participation after three months of intervention received Internet activities for one year. Cognitive domains associated with persistence, treatment motivation, and video difficulty settings were statistically analyzed. Results After three months, 17 out of 23 participants opted to continue with the activities. The ability to follow oral commands which was measured pre intervention was higher in the group that continued compared with those participants who discontinued activity. The scores of two Standard Language Test of Aphasia subtests, sentence repetition and narrative writing–associated with the ability to comprehend and produce sentence structure–were highly correlated with motivation, interest and concentration in activity. Participants with different levels of primary progressive aphasia progression could participate in the same video-based activities when high-frequency words were used in the video. Conclusions Internet video-based speech-language activity at home has potential as a useful tool for future primary progressive aphasia treatment because it provides a cost-effective approach to intensive intervention and overcomes barriers associated with traditional therapy approaches.