UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Communication Sciences and Disorders

aphasia research lab 715-425-3830

Welcome to the UWRF Aphasia Research Lab!  In this lab, the overarching aim of all research projects is to improve the communication processes between individuals with aphasia and those who communicate with them.

Research Projects

How does naming unfold over time in individuals with aphasia?  This is a question that is being explored through the use of the picture word interference paradigm.  The paradigm involves the use of related or unrelated distractor words that are presented at varying times relative to picture presentation.  Naming reaction times are measured.  Performance in individuals with aphasia is compared against performance in older and younger individuals without aphasia.  The ability to manipulate certain parameters of the paradigm permits tracking of patterns of effects that are activated during the course of naming. 

How can theory-based treatment improve naming abilities in individuals with aphasia?  The focus of this research centers on treatment approaches using the cognitive neuropsychological framework to treat naming deficits in individuals with aphasia.  This work is carried out using single-subject multiple-baseline research methodology, and treatment is provided on a weekly basis.  Current projects involve comparisons of naming treatment approaches to determine which approaches yield more robust treatment effects in aphasia.

How does age affect naming processes?  Can information from studies of older adults help us learn more about naming processes in aphasia?  Studies are being conducted with an aim toward understanding how lexical access and retrieval processes are affected by aging, and then being able to translate these findings into viable treatment approaches in aphasia.  Current projects involve an examination of semantic processes across the lifespan using a picture-word interference paradigm, as well as an examination of the relationship between phonological short-term memory abilities and phonological vocabulary learning in older adults.  These findings will be used to inform future treatment studies in aphasia.

Can the use of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) improve naming accuracy and naming reaction times in individuals with aphasia?  A current project is underway to determine if the application of a-tDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex will improve naming abilities as well as working memory capabilities in aphasia.  Given the pervasiveness of naming deficits in aphasia, a tool such as the a-tDCS, in conjunction with behavioral naming treatment, will have widespread clinical impact.

Collaborations

Without the help of colleagues, these studies would not be possible.  Sites that have collaborated in past and present studies include:

University of Minnesota Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Brain Plasticity Lab
Teresa Kimberely, PhD, PT

Boston University
Swathi Kiran, PhD, CCC-SLP
Director, Aphasia Research Lab

Members - Coffee & Conversation Group
The Stroke Center @ North Memorial Medical Center

Fairview Health Services

The Stroke Center @ North Memorial Medical Center
Gail Lommen, MS, CCC-SLP

Minnesota Stroke Association Aphasia Conversation Program – St. Paul

Recent Publications

Hashimoto, N., Johnson, B., & Peterson, A. (2016).  The effects of thematic relations on picture naming abilities across the lifespan.  Aging, Neuropsychology, & Cognition, .23, 499-512.

Hashimoto, N.  (in press).  The use of 1- or 3-semantic associative primes in treating anomia in aphasia. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology.

Hashimoto, N., Widman, B., Kiran, S., & Richards, M. A.  (2013). A comparison of features and categorical cues to improve naming abilities in aphasia.  Aphasiology, 27, 1252-1279.

Hashimoto, N.  (2012). The use of semantic- and phonological-based feature approaches to treat naming deficits in aphasia. Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics, 26, 518-533.

Hashimoto, N., & Frome, A. (2011).  The use of a modified semantic features analysis approach in aphasia. Journal of Communication Disorders, doi:10.1016/j.jcomdis.2011.02.004

Hashimoto, N. & Thompson, C.K.  (2010).  The use of the picture-word interference paradigm to examine naming abilities in aphasic individuals.  Aphasiology, 24, 580 – 611.

Hashimoto, N., McGregor, K.K., & Graham, A.  (2007). Conceptual organization at six and eight:  Evidence from the semantic priming of object decisions, Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research, 50, 161 – 176.

Participation

Interested in participating in these studies?  If so, give us a call!  We would be happy to provide you with further information!

Naomi Hashimoto, PhD, CCC-SLP
UWRF Aphasia Research Lab
715-425-3830 (lab)

Contact Us

Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
715-425-3801
B31 Wyman Education Building