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We examined the allocation of visual attention in an association task by both neurotypical participants (n = 11) and adults with fluent aphasia (n = 12). Participants were presented with a picture (e.g., a basket) followed by a semantically related association (i.e., "strawberry") and an orthographically related association (i.e., "b," the first letter of "basket"). An eye tracker recorded their eye movements for three areas of interest (AOI): the picture, the semantic associate, and the orthographic associate, over 1396 observations. Results showed that both neurotypical participants and participants with aphasia looked longer at the semantic associate than at the picture, and this difference was more pronounced for neurotypicals than for people with aphasia (PWA). Neurotypicals also looked longer than the PWA group at the orthographic associate than at the prior picture. Regarding eye fixation counts, both participant groups looked more frequently at the semantic associate than at either the picture or the orthographic associate. Notably, this pattern was more pronounced among neurotypical participants than PWA. Our findings emphasize the importance of semantic associations in fluent aphasia and suggest a potential rehabilitative approach in speech and language therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Subjects with traumatic brain injury with verbal retrieval deficits had larger N2 amplitude in NoGo than in Go trials. • Larger N2/P3 NoGo amplitude predicted faster processing speed in traumatic brain injury with verbal retrieval deficits. • Shorter P3 latency of the difference wave (NoGo – Go) predicted faster processing speed in traumatic brain injury with verbal retrieval deficits. Verbal retrieval (VR) deficits often occur after traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the mechanisms remain unclear. We examined how event-related potentials (ERPs) during a Go-NoGo task were associated with VR deficits. Sixty veterans with a history of TBI underwent a neuropsychological battery and a Go-NoGo task with concurrent EEG recording. We compared task performance and ERP measures (N2, P3) between those with and those without persistent injury-related VR deficits. We then used generalized linear modeling to examine the relationship between ERP measures and scores on measures of executive function and processing speed. Go-NoGo task performance was comparable between the groups. Those with VR deficits had larger N2 amplitude in NoGo than in Go conditions. In participants with VR deficits, larger NoGo N2/P3 amplitude predicted faster processing speed. Furthermore, larger P3 amplitude and shorter P3 latency of the difference wave (NoGo – Go) predicted faster processing speed in those with VR deficits. Despite no difference in Go-NoGo task performance, ERP amplitude and latency measures associated with cognitive control during Go-NoGo distinguished TBI individuals with VR deficits from those without. This study furthers our understanding of VR deficits in TBI and implicates potential application of ERP measures in monitoring and treating such deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Word finding difficulty is a frequent complaint in older age and disease states, but treatment options are lacking for such verbal retrieval deficits. Better understanding of the neurophysiological and neuroanatomical basis of verbal retrieval function may inform effective interventions. In this article, we review the current evidence of a neural retrieval circuit central to verbal production, including words and semantic memory, that involves the pre‐supplementary motor area (pre‐SMA), striatum (particularly caudate nucleus), and thalamus. We aim to offer a modified neural circuit framework expanded upon a memory retrieval model proposed in 2013 by Hart et al., as evidence from electrophysiological, functional brain imaging, and noninvasive electrical brain stimulation studies have provided additional pieces of information that converge on a shared neural circuit for retrieval of memory and words. We propose that both the left inferior frontal gyrus and fronto‐polar regions should be included in the expanded circuit. All these regions have their respective functional roles during verbal retrieval, such as selection and inhibition during search, initiation and termination of search, maintenance of co‐activation across cortical regions, as well as final activation of the retrieved information. We will also highlight the structural connectivity from and to the pre‐SMA (e.g., frontal aslant tract and fronto‐striatal tract) that facilitates communication between the regions within this circuit. Finally, we will discuss how this circuit and its correlated activity may be affected by disease states and how this circuit may serve as a novel target engagement for neuromodulatory treatment of verbal retrieval deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveProgressive word-finding difficulty is a primary cognitive complaint among healthy older adults and a symptom of pathological aging. Classic measures of visual confrontation naming, however, show ceiling effects among healthy older adults. To address the need for a naming test that is sensitive to subtle, age-related word-finding decline, we developed the Rapid Naming Test (RNT), a computerized, one-minute, speeded visual naming test.MethodFunctionally intact older (n = 145) and younger (n = 69) adults completed the RNT. Subsets of older adults also completed neuropsychological tests, a self-report scale of functional decline, amyloid-β PET imaging, and repeat RNT administration to determine test-retest reliability.ResultsRNT scores were normally distributed and exhibited good test-retest reliability. Younger adults performed better than older adults. Within older adults, lower scores were associated with older age. Higher scores correlated with measures of language, processing speed, and episodic learning and memory. Scores were not correlated with visuospatial or working memory tests. Worse performance was related to subjective language decline, even after controlling for a classic naming test and speed. The RNT was also negatively associated with amyloid-β burden.ConclusionsThe RNT appears to be a reliable test that is sensitive to subtle, age-related word-finding decline. Convergent and divergent validity are supported by its specific associations with measures relying on visual naming processes. Ecological validity is supported by its relationship with subjective real-world language difficulties. Lastly, worse performance was related to amyloid-β deposition, an Alzheimers disease biomarker. This study represents a key step toward validating a novel, sensitive naming test in typically aging adults.

Objective: Historically, naming has been assessed with visual object naming; however, we have found that auditory description naming significantly enhances lateralization and localization of dysfunction. We previously published auditory naming (ANT) and complementary Visual Naming Tests (VNT) for young adults, and recently developed these measures for children (ages 6–15 years) and older adults (ages 56–100 years). Here, we update the original stimuli and more rigorously norm the tests for ages 16–55, addressing prior limitations. Methods: Test stimuli were selected based on item characteristics and preliminary screening, eliminating those with less than 90% name agreement. A sample of 178 healthy individuals ages 16–55 years were administered the updated ANT and VNT, and other standardized measures, either in person (n = 114) or via telehealth (n = 64). Results: With no effect of age, yet a significant influence of education, education-based normative data are provided for accuracy, tips-of-the-tongue (i.e. delayed, accurate responses plus correct responses following phonemic cueing), and an aggregate Summary Score. Internal and test–retest reliability coefficients were reasonable (.67–.90). Conclusions: These measures provide updated and improved naming assessment for ages 16–55 years, contributing to a contiguous set of naming tests for school-aged children through elderly adults. Compared to the original ANT and VNT, these measures were designed to have stimuli longevity, and offer reduced item burden and evidence-based recommendations for performance measures with the greatest clinical sensitivity. The addition of these measures enables continuity in assessment across the age span, facilitating longitudinal assessment related to disease progression or therapeutic intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have identified many assessment and treatment options for word retrieval impairments in individuals with aphasia. The extent to which these options are used in clinical practice is not well understood. We surveyed speech-language pathologists to better understand their use and familiarity with word retrieval assessment and treatment approaches for individuals with aphasia. We developed a brief survey examining 12 assessment and 14 treatment approaches used in clinical practice for aphasic word retrieval impairments. An anonymous survey link was disseminated to speech-language pathologists. The experienced pool of 81 respondents report they commonly address word retrieval impairments. In assessment they primarily employ standardized aphasia and naming tests (e.g., Boston Naming Test; Kaplan et al., 2001). Many also use informal naming tools to supplement standardized testing. Three treatment approaches were used by the majority of respondents. Two approaches incorporate single word picture naming, cueing hierarchies and Semantic Feature Analysis, and a third fosters word retrieval in sentences, Verb Network Strengthening Treatment. While word retrieval impairments are commonly addressed in clinical practice, further implementation science work is needed to examine clinical use of the many empirically-supported word retrieval assessment and treatment methods, including how their fidelity is maintained to foster positive outcomes across clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Impairments in speech and social cognition have been reported in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), although their relationships with neuropsychological outcomes and their clinical utility in MS are unclear. Objectives: To evaluate word finding, prosody and social cognition in pwMS relative to healthy controls (HC). Methods: We recruited people with relapsing MS (RMS, n = 21), progressive MS (PMS, n = 24) and HC (n = 25) from an outpatient MS clinic. Participants completed a battery of word‐finding, social cognitive, neuropsychological and clinical assessments and performed a speech task for prosodic analysis. Results: Of 45 pwMS, mean (SD) age was 49.4 (9.4) years, and median (range) Expanded Disability Severity Scale score was 3.5 (1.0–6.5). Compared with HC, pwMS were older and had slower information processing speed (measured with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, SDMT) and higher depression scores. Most speech and social cognitive measures were associated with information processing speed but not with depression. Unlike speech, social cognition consistently correlated with intelligence and memory. Visual naming test mean response time (VNT‐MRT) demonstrated worse outcomes in MS versus HC (p =.034, Nagelkerke's R2 = 65.0%), and in PMS versus RMS (p =.009, Nagelkerke's R2 = 50.2%). Rapid automatised object naming demonstrated worse outcomes in MS versus HC (p =.014, Nagelkerke's R2 = 49.1%). These word‐finding measures showed larger effect sizes than that of the SDMT (MS vs. HC, p =.010, Nagelkerke's R2 = 40.6%; PMS vs. RMS, p =.023, Nagelkerke's R2 = 43.5%). Prosody and social cognition did not differ between MS and HC. Conclusions: Word finding, prosody and social cognition in MS are associated with information processing speed and largely independent of mood. Impairment in visual object meaning perception is potentially a unique MS disease‐related deficit that could be further explored and cautiously considered as an adjunct disability metric for MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Self‐reported word‐finding difficulties are among the most frequent complaints in cognitively normal (CN) older adults. However, the clinical significance is still debated. Methods: We selected 239 CN from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database who had completed the Everyday Cognition (ECog) questionnaire, as well as a lumbar puncture for amyloid beta (Aβ) and magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Word‐finding complaints, with a few other memory items, were significantly more severe compared to all other cognitive complaints. Ecog‐Lang1 (Forgetting names of objects) severity significantly predicted Aβ levels in CN, even when controlling for general cognitive complaint, demographic, and psychological variables. Individuals with high Ecog‐Lang1 complaints showed atrophy in the left fusiform gyrus and the left rolandic operculum compared to CN with low complaints. Discussion: Overall, our results support the fact that word‐finding complaints should be taken seriously. They have the potential to identify CN at risk of AD and support the need to include other cognitive domains in the investigation of subjective cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically, thalamic aphasias appear to be primarily lexical-semantic disorders representing difficulty using stored declarative memories for semantic information to access lexical word forms. Yet, there also is reason to believe that the thalamus might play a role in linguistic procedural memory. For more than two decades, we have known that basal ganglia dysfunction is associated with difficulties in procedural learning, and specific thalamic nuclei are the final waypoint back to the cortex in cortico-basal ganglia-cortical loops. Recent analyses of the role of the thalamus in lexical-semantic processes and of the role of the basal ganglia in linguistic processes suggest that thalamic participation is not simply a matter of declarative vs. procedural memory, but a matter of how the thalamus participates in lexical-semantic processes and in linguistic procedural memory, as well as the interaction of these processes. One role for the thalamus in accessing lexical forms for semantic concepts relates to the stabilization of a very complex semantic-lexical interface with thousands of representations on both sides of the interface. Further, the possibility is discussed that the thalamus, through its participation in basal ganglia loops, participates in two linguistic procedural memory processes: syntactic/grammatical procedures and procedures for finding words to represent semantic concepts, with the latter interacting intricately with declarative memories. These concepts are discussed in detail along with complexities that can be addressed by future research.

Typically, thalamic aphasias appear to be primarily lexical-semantic disorders representing difficulty using stored declarative memories for semantic information to access lexical word forms. Yet, there also is reason to believe that the thalamus might play a role in linguistic procedural memory. For more than two decades, we have known that basal ganglia dysfunction is associated with difficulties in procedural learning, and specific thalamic nuclei are the final waypoint back to the cortex in cortico-basal ganglia-cortical loops. Recent analyses of the role of the thalamus in lexical-semantic processes and of the role of the basal ganglia in linguistic processes suggest that thalamic participation is not simply a matter of declarative vs. procedural memory, but a matter of how the thalamus participates in lexical-semantic processes and in linguistic procedural memory, as well as the interaction of these processes. One role for the thalamus in accessing lexical forms for semantic concepts relates to the stabilization of a very complex semantic-lexical interface with thousands of representations on both sides of the interface. Further, the possibility is discussed that the thalamus, through its participation in basal ganglia loops, participates in two linguistic procedural memory processes: syntactic/grammatical procedures and procedures for finding words to represent semantic concepts, with the latter interacting intricately with declarative memories. These concepts are discussed in detail along with complexities that can be addressed by future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how multilingual speakers with dementia mobilise their multilingual and interactional resources when searching for words in a naming test setting, and how their word-search behaviour relates to lexical retrieval processes characteristic of multilinguals, as well as to aspects of cognitive decline.The study takes an interdisciplinary approach by combining conversation analysis (CA) with psycholinguistic perspectives on lexical access and neurological perspectives on cognitive decline.Data for the study are video/audio-recordings of seven multilingual speakers with dementia carrying out a naming test in their two common languages, English and Norwegian. CA was used for analysing the data and developing a coding scheme for word-search strategies. These findings were explored with statistical analysis based on language background, test scores, word proprieties/psycholinguistic properties, and cognitive/diagnostic assessment.Multilingual speakers with dementia mainly used six general word-search strategies in the Norwegian and English naming test sessions: turn-holding, semantic searches, phonetic searches, embodied demonstrations, code-switching to another language, and inviting help from the conversation partner. The participants used more search-strategies in English, although it was their stronger language. Code-switching appeared to be the most successful strategy in English and phonetic searches appeared to be the most successful strategy in Norwegian. In-depth analysis of two participants indicate a benefit of using multiple strategies, drawing on their full linguistic repertoire.The study adds new knowledge to the interrelated, but previously separated areas of psycholinguistic word-finding difficulties and interactional word-searching behaviour, in the context of multilingual dementia.The study has implications for our understanding of the relation between observable word-searching behaviour and mental processes of word finding in multilinguals with dementia. The study also contributes to our growing understanding of test situations as interaction, with implications for everyday interaction and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a patient who has cognitive sequalae including verbal retrieval deficits after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The cortico-caudate-thalamic circuit involving the pre-Supplementary Motor Area (pre-SMA) has been proposed to underlie verbal retrieval functions. We hypothesized that High Definition-transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) targeting the pre-SMA would selectively modulate this circuit to remediate verbal retrieval deficits. After the patient underwent 10 sessions of 20 min of 1 mA HD-tDCS targeting the pre-SMA, we documented significant improvements for verbal fluency and naming, and for working memory and executive function tasks that involve the frontal lobes. The effects persisted for up to 14 weeks after completion of HD-tDCS treatment. We also demonstrated normalization of the event-related potentials suggesting modulation of the underlying neural circuit. Our study implicates that region-specific non-invasive brain stimulation, such as HD-tDCS, serves as a potential individualized therapeutic tool to treat cognitive deficits by inducing longer-lasting neuroplasticity even in the chronic phase of TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aphasia is a communication disorder often acquired after a stroke. Independent use of specialist aphasia software on a home computer is a form of asynchronous tele-rehabilitation that can provide increased opportunity for practice of rehabilitation exercises. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with adherence to self-managed aphasia computer therapy practice.Method: A mixed methods exploration of adherence was conducted alongside the Big CACTUS randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN: 68798818]. The trial evaluated the clinical effectiveness of self-managed aphasia computer therapy. This study reports secondary analysis of data from participants randomized to the computer therapy group to investigate whether any demographic, clinical or intervention variables were associated with adherence to therapy practice. A sub-sample of the same participants took part in qualitative interviews exploring the factors perceived to influence the amount of aphasia computer therapy practice undertaken. Interviews were analyzed thematically. A convergence-coding matrix was used to triangulate the two sets of findings.Results: Data from 85 participants randomized to the computer therapy group were included in the quantitative analyses. At a clinical level, a greater length of time post-stroke was associated with higher adherence to self-managed aphasia therapy practice on a computer. At an intervention level, length of computer therapy access and therapist time supporting the participant were associated with greater adherence to computer therapy practice. Interviews with 11 patients and 12 informal carers identified a multitude of factors perceived to influence engagement with tele-rehabilitation by people with aphasia. The factors grouped around three themes: capability to use the computer therapy, having the opportunity to practice (external influences and technological issues) and motivation (beliefs, goals and intentions vs. personality, emotions, habit and reinforcement). Triangulation demonstrated convergence for the finding that participants' practiced computer-based therapy exercises more when they received increased support from a speech and language therapist.Conclusion: Clinicians delivering asynchronous tele-rehabilitation involving self-management of aphasia therapy practice on a computer should consider the factors found to be associated with engagement when deciding which patients may be suited to this option, as well as how they can be supported to optimize the amount of practice they engage in.

Background: Aphasia is a communication disorder often acquired after a stroke. Independent use of specialist aphasia software on a home computer is a form of asynchronous tele-rehabilitation that can provide increased opportunity for practice of rehabilitation exercises. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with adherence to self-managed aphasia computer therapy practice. Method: A mixed methods exploration of adherence was conducted alongside the Big CACTUS randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN: 68798818]. The trial evaluated the clinical effectiveness of self-managed aphasia computer therapy. This study reports secondary analysis of data from participants randomized to the computer therapy group to investigate whether any demographic, clinical or intervention variables were associated with adherence to therapy practice. A sub-sample of the same participants took part in qualitative interviews exploring the factors perceived to influence the amount of aphasia computer therapy practice undertaken. Interviews were analyzed thematically. A convergence-coding matrix was used to triangulate the two sets of findings. Results: Data from 85 participants randomized to the computer therapy group were included in the quantitative analyses. At a clinical level, a greater length of time post-stroke was associated with higher adherence to self-managed aphasia therapy practice on a computer. At an intervention level, length of computer therapy access and therapist time supporting the participant were associated with greater adherence to computer therapy practice. Interviews with 11 patients and 12 informal carers identified a multitude of factors perceived to influence engagement with tele-rehabilitation by people with aphasia. The factors grouped around three themes: capability to use the computer therapy, having the opportunity to practice (external influences and technological issues) and motivation (beliefs, goals and intentions vs. personality, emotions, habit and reinforcement). Triangulation demonstrated convergence for the finding that participants' practiced computer-based therapy exercises more when they received increased support from a speech and language therapist. Conclusion: Clinicians delivering asynchronous tele-rehabilitation involving self-management of aphasia therapy practice on a computer should consider the factors found to be associated with engagement when deciding which patients may be suited to this option, as well as how they can be supported to optimize the amount of practice they engage in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) present with a characteristic progressive breakdown of semantic knowledge. There are currently no pharmacological interventions to cure or slow svPPA, but promising behavioural approaches are increasingly reported. This article offers an overview of the last two decades of research into interventions to support language in people with svPPA including recommendations for clinical practice and future research based on the best available evidence. We offer a lay summary in English, Spanish and French for education and dissemination purposes. This paper discusses the implications of right- versus left-predominant atrophy in svPPA, which naming therapies offer the best outcomes and how to capitalise on preserved long-term memory systems. Current knowledge regarding the maintenance and generalisation of language therapy gains is described in detail along with the development of compensatory approaches and educational and support group programmes. It is concluded that there is evidence to support an integrative framework of treatment and care as best practice for svPPA. Such an approach should combine rehabilitation interventions addressing the language impairment, compensatory approaches to support activities of daily living and provision of education and support within the context of dementia.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical neurodegenerative syndrome with word finding problems as a core clinical symptom. Many aspects of word finding have been clarified in psycholinguistics using picture naming and a picture-word interference (PWI) paradigm, which emulates naming under contextual noise. However, little is known about how word finding depends on white-matter tract integrity, in particular, the atrophy of tracts located ventrally to the Sylvian fissure. To elucidate this question, we examined word finding in individuals with PPA and healthy controls employing PWI, tractography, and computer simulations using the WEAVER++ model of word finding. Twenty-three individuals with PPA and twenty healthy controls named pictures in two noise conditions. Mixed-effects modelling was performed on naming accuracy and reaction time (RT) and fixel-based tractography analyses were conducted to assess the relation between ventral white-matter integrity and naming performance. Naming RTs were longer for individuals with PPA compared to controls and, critically, individuals with PPA showed a larger noise effect compared to controls. Moreover, this difference in noise effect was differentially related to tract integrity. Whereas the noise effect did not depend much on tract integrity in controls, a lower tract integrity was related to a smaller noise effect in individuals with PPA. Computer simulations supported an explanation of this paradoxical finding in terms of reduced propagation of noise when tract integrity is low. By using multimodal analyses, our study indicates the significance of the ventral pathway for naming and the importance of RT measurement in the clinical assessment of PPA.

Objectives: Cognitive deficits and language disorders such as difficulty in recalling certain words are common among the elderly people. Verbal fluency as an index of word finding is one of the first cognitive functions that decline due to aging.-Considering the lack of norms of verbal fluency in normal elderly Persian-speakers, the purpose of this research was to determine verbal fluency performance in elderly Persian speakers. Methods & Materials: This observational study consisted of 90 normal elderly individuals aged below 60 years, of which 45 were females and 45 were males. They were categorized into two age groups (60-74 years old, 75-90 years old) and three educational groups (

Background: Aphasia is a communication disorder affecting more than one-third of stroke survivors. Computerized Speech and Language Therapy (CSLT) is a complex intervention requiring computer software, speech and language therapists, volunteers, or therapy assistants, as well as self-managed practice from the person with aphasia. CSLT was found to improve word finding, a common symptom of aphasia, in a multicenter randomized controlled trial (Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Computer Treatment for Aphasia Post Stroke [Big CACTUS])., Objective: This study provides a detailed description of the CSLT intervention delivered in the Big CACTUS trial and identified the active ingredients of the intervention directly associated with improved word finding for people with aphasia., Methods: We conducted a multiple methods study within the context of a randomized controlled trial. In study 1, qualitative interviews explored key informants' understanding of the CSLT intervention, how the components interacted, and how they could be measured. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Qualitative findings informed the process measures collected as part of a process evaluation of the CSLT intervention delivered in the Big CACTUS trial. In study 2, quantitative analyses explored the relationship between intervention process measures (length of computer therapy access; therapists' knowledge of CSLT; degree of rationale for CSLT tailoring; and time spent using the software to practice cued confrontation naming, noncued naming, and using words in functional sentences) and change in word-finding ability over a 6-month intervention period., Results: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 7 CSLT approach experts. Thematic analysis identified four overarching components of the CSLT approach: (1) the StepByStep software (version 5; Steps Consulting Ltd), (2) therapy setup: tailoring and personalizing, (3) regular independent practice, and (4) support and monitoring. Quantitative analyses included process and outcome data from 83 participants randomized to the intervention arm of the Big CACTUS trial. The process measures found to be directly associated with improved word-finding ability were therapists providing a thorough rationale for tailoring the computerized therapy exercises and the amount of time the person with aphasia spent using the computer software to practice using words in functional sentences., Conclusions: The qualitative exploration of the CSLT approach provided a detailed description of the components, theories, and mechanisms underpinning the intervention and facilitated the identification of process measures to be collected in the Big CACTUS trial. Quantitative analysis furthered our understanding of which components of the intervention are associated with clinical improvement. To optimize the benefits of using the CSLT approach for word finding, therapists are advised to pay particular attention to the active ingredients of the intervention: tailoring the therapy exercises based on the individual's specific language difficulties and encouraging people with aphasia to practice the exercises focused on saying words in functional sentences., Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN68798818; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN68798818., (©Madeleine Harrison, Rebecca Palmer, Cindy Cooper. Originally published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (https://rehab.jmir.org), 05.12.2023.)

Background/Objectives: Once dementia develops, the cognitive problems associated with memory gradually worsen. The purpose of this study was to provide word finding intervention and to investigate changes in the performance of the subject during the intervention. Method/Statistical analysis: The subject was an 85 - year - old woman suffering from Alzheimer's dementia, which was progressing from mild to moderate stages. The word finding intervention was composed of 30 sessions. The number of words remembered by the subject was calculated and scored by counting the number of syllables and the number of words per part of speech. Also, changes in other related performances throughout the intervention were observed. Findings: As the number of words increased throughout the intervention sessions, though there were few dips in the number, it remained relatively high as time progressed than what it was at the beginning of the training. Eventually, the increase in numbers showed a tendency to slow down slightly. The rate of improvement at the beginning of the intervention was faster than the rate at the end of the intervention. Most of the words remembered were mainly composed of two syllable nouns. The errors in the two-digit multiplication and addition persisted throughout the entire intervention. And the letters were not written uniformly throughout the entire intervention. Improvements/Applications: The results of this study can be used as basic data to provide cognitive intervention in the elderly with Alzheimer's dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective, exploratory investigation examined the types of target words that 66 children with/without word-finding difficulties (WFD) had difficulty naming, and the types of errors they made. Words were studied with reference to lexical factors (LFs) that might influence naming performance: word frequency, familiarity, length, phonotactic probability, and lexical neighborhood. For the most part, LFs similarly affected the word finding of children with/without WFD. Target word frequency predicted word-finding success for both groups, and word substitutions and error patterns were affected by the LFs under study. Children tended to produce substitutions that were shorter and higher in frequency, neighborhood frequency, and phonotactic probability than the target word. LFs also influenced children’s error patterns. Low word frequency led to form-related blocked errors for both groups, and low neighborhood frequency predicted form- and segment-related phonologic errors for children with WFD only. Theoretical and practical implications of these preliminary findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Language assessment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) demonstrates deficits in single-word production, but rarely includes connected speech. Aims: If Alzheimer’s disease leads to deficits in lexical retrieval, we should find reduced word output in connected speech, limited lexical diversity, an increase in retrieval errors, and an association between scores on tests of single-word production and measures of word retrieval in context. The purpose of this review was to investigate these hypotheses across studies of connected speech in AD. Main Contribution: A search of Medline and PsychNET identified 51 articles (published in 1985–2016) that reported data from 1,114 individuals with AD and 1,280 cognitively healthy individuals. A meta-analysis showed a significant but small reduction in word output in AD. No consistent decrease in the proportion of unique words was documented, but there was indication that individuals with AD produce more frequent words than do controls. An analysis of errors documented a moderate effect size, showing that individuals with AD commit more retrieval errors of all types. A relatively strong association was found between picture-naming scores and measures of word retrieval in connected speech. Conclusions: The review shows that individuals with AD experience significant lexical retrieval difficulties in connected speech. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies of word retrieval in connected speech in healthy aging and reviewed relevant aphasia research that could shed light on the aging literature. Four main hypotheses guided the review: (1) Significant retrieval difficulties would lead to reduced output in connected speech. (2) Significant retrieval difficulties would lead to a more limited lexical variety in connected speech. (3) Significant retrieval difficulties would lead to an increase in word substitution errors and in pronoun use as well as to greater dysfluency and hesitation in connected speech. (4) Retrieval difficulties on tests of single-word production would be associated with measures of word retrieval in connected speech. Studies on aging did not confirm these four hypotheses, unlike studies on aphasia that generally did. The review suggests that future research should investigate how context facilitates word production in old age. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Naming impairment is common in persons with multiple sclerosis. • Deficits found frequently in confrontation naming compared to other language measures. • Confrontational naming demonstrated strongest relationship with neuroimaging. • Thalamic volume demonstrated strongest relationship with language measures. Naming difficulty is commonly reported by patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Though many cognitive batteries recommended for pwMS include fluency tasks, they do not include naming tasks. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of naming impairment in pwMS by using a measure of confrontation naming and to identify correlates with neuroimaging. One-hundred-eighty-five pwMS (M age = 48.75 ± 11.23) completed neuropsychological testing and fifty had brain MRI scans within one year of neuropsychological testing. Controlling for demographic variables, partial correlations and hierarchical regressions with language tests as the outcome variables and neuroimaging variables as predictors were performed. Performance on language tasks ranged within low average to average, with impairment most frequently found on a measure of confrontation naming (Boston Naming Test [BNT];27.6%), followed by a measure of phonemic fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association Test [COWAT]; 24.3%) and semantic fluency (animals [AF]; 18.3%). In the subset of patients with neuroimaging, thalamic volume had the strongest relationship with language variables, followed by white matter volume and T2 lesion volume. Language variables had no association with fractional gray matter volume. Of the language measures, BNT demonstrated the strongest relationship with MRI variables, followed by AF. There were no significant associations between neuroimaging variables and COWAT. Regression results revealed that fractional thalamic volume significantly contributed to BNT scores after adjusting for demographics, while T2 lesion volume predicted AF and no neuroimaging variables emerged as predictors for COWAT after controlling for demographics. Objective naming impairment is common in pwMS and are more strongly associated with neuroimaging of MS brain pathology than verbal fluency tasks that are commonly used in cognitive batteries for pwMS. Continued research on language (especially naming) deficits and neuroimaging correlates (particularly thalamic involvement) in pwMS is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lesion-symptom mapping (LSM) studies have revealed brain areas critical for naming, typically finding significant associations between damage to left temporal, inferior parietal, and inferior fontal regions and impoverished naming performance. However, specific subregions found in the available literature vary. Hence, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of published lesion-based findings, obtained from studies with unique cohorts investigating brain areas critical for accuracy in naming in stroke patients at least 1 month post-onset. An anatomic likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis of these LSM studies was performed. Ten papers entered the ALE meta-analysis, with similar lesion coverage over left temporal and left inferior frontal areas. This small number is a major limitation of the present study. Clusters were found in left anterior temporal lobe, posterior temporal lobe extending into inferior parietal areas, in line with the arcuate fasciculus, and in pre- and postcentral gyri and middle frontal gyrus. No clusters were found in left inferior frontal gyrus. These results were further substantiated by examining five naming studies that investigated performance beyond global accuracy, corroborating the ALE meta-analysis results. The present review and meta-analysis highlight the involvement of left temporal and inferior parietal cortices in naming, and of mid to posterior portions of the temporal lobe in particular in conceptual-lexical retrieval for speaking., Competing Interests: Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (© 2023 Massachusetts Institute of Technology.)

Word finding difficulties are often seen in children with language difficulties. Their problem is readily observed and has led to investigations of its nature and encouraged attempts at intervention. Semantic errors in their naming suggest that their knowledge of items is poorly developed and that therapies to strengthen it may be effective. Twelve children between 7 and 11 years of age were offered 3 hours of semantic therapy in two 15-minute sessions per week for 6 weeks. The children had severe and complex speech, language and communication needs and all were in the bottom 5% for their age on a test of word finding. Two categories of items were treated. Each category was divided into sets of items that were directly treated, and items which appeared during therapy but were not specifically targeted. Categories and sets of items were counterbalanced across children. The children were blind assessed on naming the items before and after therapy and at a maintenance assessment 6 weeks after the treatment ceased. The children improved significantly on the treated items and on untreated items from the same category but not on items from the untreated category. Improvement was maintained at the maintenance assessment. Although results were significant, only medium effect sizes were obtained. These results add to the evidence that semantic therapy can help children with word finding difficulties. In assessing their clinical significance, the severity of the children’s communication problems should be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]