Script training in primary progressive aphasia (Montagut et al., 2024)

Purpose: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by worsening of speech and/or language. Script training intervention promotes automatized speech production via repeated practice of scripted content. This study evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and effects of a modified version of Video-Implemented Script Training for Aphasia (VISTA) in the three PPA variants and compared outcomes by intervention modality (teletherapy vs. in person).

Method: Thirteen bilingual (Spanish–Catalan) participants were included (semantic variant, n = 5; logopenic variant, n = 5; nonfluent/agrammatic variant, n = 3; teletherapy, n = 7). Using a nonrandomized design, intervention was administered in participants’ dominant language. Participants were trained on an individualized script twice per week, over 8 weeks. Performance on measures related to script accuracy, content, and subjective ratings of production quality was evaluated at baseline, immediately post, and at 3 and 6 months post-intervention.

Results: No significant differences were observed on the basis of intervention modality. Participants demonstrated significant improvements from pre- to post-intervention in script production, synonym production, keywords, and global quality on the trained script. Maintenance was observed when comparing performance at post-intervention relative to 3- and 6-month follow-up for script and synonym production. Significant improvement in production quality of the untrained topic was observed following intervention. Different patterns of benefit were observed by PPA variant.

Conclusions: Modified VISTA was acceptable and effective across the three PPA variants, as evidenced by improvements on a broader array of outcome measures than those previously reported. Findings also provide further support for provision for teletherapy in individuals with PPA.

Supplemental Material S1. Script trained example: My story.

Supplemental Material S2. Perceived Satisfaction/Acceptability Questionnaire.

Montagut, N., Borrego-Écija, S., Herrero, J., Castellví, M., Balasa, M., Lladó, A., Grasso, S. M., & Sánchez-Valle, R. (2024). Effects of modified video-implemented script training for aphasia in the three variants of primary progressive aphasia. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1044/2024_JSLHR-23-00583