Communication Bridge Research Program

01/13/2026

Our current clinical trial, Communication Bridge 3, continues to build on our initial work and mission - maximize communication participation and quality of life and minimize burden for persons with PPA and their communication partners.

To date, we are over halfway to the 100 participant enrollment goal, with 65 participant dyads enrolled from countries across the globe! Learn more about the trial and if you or a loved one qualifies here: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

12/09/2025

The new issue of Alzheimer's Today Magazine has just been published, featuring an exclusive interview with Emma Heming Willis on the life-changing FTD diagnosis of her husband, Bruce Willis.

Click Here to read this issue: https://alzfdn.org/alzheimers-today-latest-issue/

12/08/2025

The Communication Bridge research study at the The University of Chicago is currently enrolling individuals diagnosed with PPA and their care partners. This online trial personalizes speech-language therapy, tailored strategies, and support for maintaining communication and connection.

By joining, you’ll not only access expert care—you’ll also contribute to research that’s helping others living with PPA.

Learn more or see if you’re eligible: haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge

11/23/2025

In this virtual conversation group, we will have an opportunity to talk about the topic shared in this month’s “Ask the Expert” webinar. Bring y

11/06/2025

November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to recognize and support the people who care for loved ones living with communication changes.

Caring for someone with aphasia or dementia brings daily challenges, especially when language becomes harder to express or understand. But small changes in communication can make a big difference:

- Slow down your speech

- Use simple sentences

- Give extra time for responses

- Use gestures or written words when needed

If you're a caregiver, you're not alone. Your role matters. And we’re here to help.

11/03/2025

Check out the most recent publication from members of our Communication Bridge research team!

Primary progressive aphasia causes gradual language loss, which affects daily communication. Communication participation, or how people use communication in daily life, is essential to measure in primary progressive aphasia. We conducted interviews with 9 patient-partner pairs to test whether a comm...

10/23/2025

If you or someone you care about is living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), you're not alone. The Communication Bridge program connects families to personalized speech-language treatment, resources, and research opportunities—all from home.

Find out if it's right for you or your loved one: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

09/23/2025

One form of FTD—called Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)—starts with subtle but serious language changes.

These aren’t typical signs of aging—and they often appear in people under 65. The HAARC Center is actively enrolling participants in Communication Bridge Research Program, a research study focused on improving communication for people living with PPA.

Learn more today: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

09/04/2025

Thanks to our dedicated participants, the Communication Bridge study has reached 40% of its enrollment goal.

The trial is designed to identify evidence-based strategies to maximize communication participation and quality of life and minimize burden for persons with PPA and their communication partners.

Know someone who might be interested? Help us reach 100% by sharing or referring today.

Learn more at: haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge

08/12/2025

📢 Communication Bridge is still enrolling for its current clinical trial!

We’re looking for adults diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) and their communication partners to join the Communication Bridge 3 study.

The goal? To find real, evidence-based strategies that support communication and quality of life—and ease the burden on families and care partners.

✔️ All sessions take place remotely via Zoom
✔️ No cost to participate—compensation is provided
✔️ Participants will receive intervention sessions with licensed clinicians

Learn more or see if you're eligible: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

07/28/2025

Join us in congratulating our very own Ollie Fetger!

She won an award for her poster at Alzheimer's Association for, "Usage and Feasibility of the Web Applications in Speech-Language Therapy: Insights from the Communication Bridge 2 Trial for Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA)".

07/16/2025

Our advocacy efforts focus on creating supportive environments, reducing stigma, and enhancing quality of life for all affected by PPA.

We work to empower individuals with PPA by:

- Promoting personalized communication strategies
- Advocating for accessible community services
- Collaborating with healthcare providers to improve care protocols
- Supporting families with resources and education
- Working with governmental and non-governmental organizations for care and services

Learn more about our advocacy efforts on our website: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/advocacy-awareness-ppa/