RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Links Between Executive and Linguistic Processes and Their Lesional Determinants From a Verbal Fluency Task

This study aims to understand how different problems, like strokes or conditions affecting memory, can impact our ability to quickly think of and say words. This skill is called 'verbal fluency' and it's a common test doctors use to check brain health. Currently, it's not always clear if difficulties with this test are due to problems with language itself or with 'executive functions' – the brain's ability to plan and organise thoughts. Researchers will look closely at how brain injuries affect these different skills. By using existing patient data and advanced brain imaging, they hope to better understand which specific parts of the brain are linked to these verbal fluency difficulties. This could help improve how doctors diagnose and understand conditions like neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

302

Start

16 May 2023

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2029

Cognitive Neurodegenerative Stroke Verbal Fluency Disorders

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how our brains help us find and say words, especially when we're asked to think of as many as possible within a minute or two. This is called a 'verbal fluency test', and doctors often use it to check for brain health issues, including after a stroke or with conditions that affect memory and thinking.

Sometimes, it's hard for doctors to tell if someone struggles with this test because of a problem with language itself, or with their 'executive functions' – which are the brain's skills for planning, organising, and problem-solving. This study aims to clear up this confusion by looking at these different brain processes more closely. Researchers want to understand which specific areas of the brain are involved when people have trouble with verbal fluency after a brain injury.

They plan to use information gathered from previous studies, including brain scans, from people who have had strokes or have conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By carefully analysing this information, they hope to get a clearer picture of what causes difficulties with verbal fluency and how different brain parts contribute. This research could help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and provide better care in the future.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand difficulties with finding words (verbal fluency).
It focuses on people with brain injuries like stroke or certain memory conditions.
Researchers want to know if problems are due to language skills or planning skills.
The study uses existing brain scan and test data, so no new tests for participants.
Findings could help doctors better diagnose and understand brain conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you generally need to be between 40 and 85 years old. You should be a native French speaker, have French social security, and be able to read, write, and count, as well as know the alphabet.

They are looking for two main groups of people: those with certain memory and thinking conditions (like some forms of dementia where memory impairment is mild to major), and those who have had a stroke that was confirmed by a brain scan and led to a hospital stay.

You would not be able to join if you have certain other conditions, such as severe head injuries, specific mental health conditions requiring hospital stays, certain brain illnesses like Parkinson's disease or brain tumours, or if you have a life expectancy of less than a year. Also, if you have severe kidney, liver, or breathing problems, or heavy alcohol or drug use, you would not be eligible. If you're currently taking certain medications that affect thinking, or if you have a condition preventing an MRI scan, you also can't take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 40 and 85 years old?
Do you speak French as your native language?
Have you had a stroke or been diagnosed with a condition affecting memory (like certain types of dementia)?
Do you NOT have other serious brain conditions (like severe head injury, Parkinson's, or a brain tumour)?
Are you able to read, write, and count, and do you know the alphabet?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study will use existing information from volunteers who have already taken part in other studies. This means you wouldn't need to attend extra visits or undergo new tests specifically for this research. Researchers will be looking at existing data, such as brain scans and results from cognitive tests, to understand more about verbal fluency.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study uses information collected from previous research, there are no direct physical risks to you. You won't be undergoing new tests or treatments. The potential benefit is that the findings could help doctors better understand and diagnose conditions affecting brain function and verbal fluency in the future. As with any research, you always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used, even if the information has already been collected.

Locations (1)

CHU Amiens
Verified postcode
Amiens, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is verbal fluency?

Verbal fluency is your brain's ability to quickly think of and say as many words as you can in a short time, often linked to a certain category or starting letter.

Why is this research important?

It helps us understand which specific brain areas are affected when people struggle with finding words, especially after a stroke or with memory conditions. This could lead to better diagnosis and care.

Will I need to take new tests?

No, this study uses information from tests and scans that have already been done in previous research, so you won't need to do any new assessments.

Who is funding this study?

This information is not provided in the brief summary. You would need to ask the research team for details on funding.

What are 'executive functions'?

Executive functions are like your brain's command centre – they help you plan, organise, focus, start tasks, and manage your time and attention.

How to find out more

Martine ROUSSEL, PhD

roussel.martine@chu-amiens.fr 0322668240 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.