Anomia in People with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Anomia in people with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: investigating the nature and extent of the problem and taking steps towards better assessment and treatment.
IRAS ID
226347
Contact name
Paul Conroy
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This project aims to investigate the nature, frequency and treatment of anomia (difficulties retrieving words) experienced by many people with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RR-MS). We are particularly interested in the involvement and interaction of language, memory and attentional/ executive skills to anomic symptoms in people with MS.
The project includes three phases. First we plan to implement a cognitive/language skills screen with 50 participants with RR-MS, including those who report difficulties in recalling the names of everyday objects as part of their condition and those who do not. A key goal will be to establish an effective way of measuring word retrieval skills in people with MS, so that clinical assessment can be quick and simple. Secondly, from the 50 participants we will select 25 participants who present anomic symptoms of varying severity and have access in their homes to a computer. We will carry out an in-depth neuropsychological assessment, which includes assessing different cognitive functions of the brain such as attention, memory, decision making skills and brain information processing speed. Later we will carry out Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Tractography, a technique used to visually represent brain tracts. This is to explore the neurobiology of the anomic symptoms. Finally with the same 25 participants we will implement a treatment study involving simple procedures. We will powerpoint pictures to present treatment stimuli on participants’ computers for the anomia treatment. At the end we will examine how the symptoms affect people’s everyday functioning.
We aim to establish if therapy effects can be demonstrated with respect to improved accuracy and efficiency of word retrieval, as well as more informative word substitutions when a person cannot recall a word. The ultimate aim is to reduce the disabling effects of anomia in people with RR-MS through promoting identification, understanding and self-management of these symptoms.REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NE/0242
Date of REC Opinion
13 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion