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. 2024 Jul 11;14(7):692.
doi: 10.3390/brainsci14070692.

Cope PPA-Adaptation of the Biographic-Narrative Approach for Persons with Primary Progressive Aphasia: Protocol for Clinical Trial Design

Mirjam Gauch  1 , Sabine Corsten  2 , Anna-Lena Köb  1 , Oliver Tüscher  1 , Isabel Heinrich  1 , Katharina Geschke  1
Affiliations

Cope PPA-Adaptation of the Biographic-Narrative Approach for Persons with Primary Progressive Aphasia: Protocol for Clinical Trial Design

Mirjam Gauch et al. Brain Sci. .

Abstract

Persons with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) often experience limitations in their quality of life (QoL). Some studies have shown positive effects of speech and language therapy on QoL in persons with PPA. However, there is still a lack of evidence for disorder-specific approaches for this important therapeutic goal. The biographic-narrative approach (narraktiv) has been shown to significantly improve QoL in persons with post-stroke aphasia. In the planned study, the biographic-narrative approach will be adapted for persons with PPA (Cope PPA), and its efficacy will be investigated. First, a focus group interview with five persons with PPA will be conducted to identify the wishes and needs of participants. Based on the results, the narraktiv manual according to Corsten et al. (2015) will be revised. Second, an efficacy study will be conducted according to the new Cope PPA manual with 24 persons with PPA in a waiting group control design. The primary outcome, QoL, will be assessed using questionnaires (Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39) and semistructured interviews. Depressive symptoms, life satisfaction and cognitive/communicative functioning will also be assessed. If Cope PPA proves efficacy, this study may help to improve the treatment of persons with PPA.

Keywords: biographic-narrative approach; life review; life-review therapy; primary progressive aphasia; quality of life; reminiscence.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study design including ‘phase one’ and ‘phase two’.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Focus group setting (designed by the author using PowerPoint images, Version 2401).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Efficacy study from a participant’s perspective. MMSE = Mini Mental-State Examination; ST = scenario test; MADRS = Montgomery–Asberg Depression Scale; SWLS = Satisfaction with Life Scale; SAQOL-39 = Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39; VAS = Visual Analog Scale.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Procedure of ‘phase two’ containing four test points (t0, t1, t2, t3).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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