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Objectives Previous reports established the feasibility of a telehealth model for delivering speech–language therapy via Internet videoconferencing, which connects individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) to an expert speech and language pathologist for treatment. This study reports feasibility of the same telehealth intervention in a larger set of progressive aphasia participants and explores factors potentially influencing functional intervention outcomes. Methods Participants with PPA or progressive aphasia in the context of a neurodegenerative dementia syndrome and their communication partners were enrolled into an 8-session intervention, with 3 evaluations (baseline, 2 months, and 6 months postenrollment). Half of the participants were randomized into a "check-in" group and received 3-monthly half-hour sessions postintervention. Mixed linear models with post hoc testing and percent change in area under the curve were used to examine communication confidence over time, as well as the influence of check-in sessions and the role of communication partner engagement on communication confidence. Results Communication confidence improved at the 2-month evaluation and showed no significant decline at the 6-month evaluation. Item-level analysis revealed gains in communication confidence across multiple communication contexts. Gains and maintenance of communication confidence were only present for the engaged communication partner group and were not bolstered by randomization to the check-in group. Discussion Internet-based, person-centered interventions demonstrate promise as a model for delivering speech–language therapy to individuals living with PPA. Maintenance is possible for at least 6 months postenrollment and is better for those with engaged communication partners, which supports the use of dyadic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical neurodegenerative dementia syndrome characterized by early, selective, and progressive language impairment. PPA onset is gradual, providing time to potentially identify additional or alternative expressive communication modes; however, reports of communication mode use and effectiveness by persons with PPA have not been described. This study characterized the use, frequency, and perceived effectiveness of communication modes reported by individuals with PPA. Method: Forty-one participants with mild-to-moderate PPA completed a structured interview detailing the type, frequency, and perceived effectiveness of 12 potential communication modes, categorized by technology required (no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech). The ratio of modes used was compared across technology categories with a repeated-measures generalized linear model assuming a binomial distribution with an overall Wald chi-square statistic, followed by pairwise post hoc t-test comparisons. Results: Of the 12 communication modes assessed, participants reported using a median of eight (range: 5-10). All participants affirmed using speech, facial expressions, and talking on the phone. Frequency and perceived effectiveness ratings for these three modes were endorsed at the "some/most of the time" level for more than 80% of the participants. No-tech mode use was significantly higher than reported high-tech and low-tech modes (p = .004 and p < .0001, respectively). Even so, while some high-tech modes (apps) and some low-tech modes (nonelectronic augmentative and alternative communication) had fewer users, effectiveness ratings were moderate to high for all but one user. Conclusions: Persons with mild-to-moderate language impairment due to PPA report using a range of communication modes with moderate-to-high frequency and perceived effectiveness. These outcomes provide practical information when considering mode refinement or expansion during intervention to maximize communication participation. Barriers to modality use may include low awareness or access, which could be queried by future studies and supported by speech and language interventions. Supplemental Material: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.21614262 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]