Communication Bridge Research Program

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/

06/26/2025

Aphasia is a language disorder that makes it hard to speak, understand, read, or write. It’s often caused by stroke or brain injury—but it does not affect intelligence.

This June, we’re building awareness one conversation at a time. When we talk about aphasia, we help people living with it feel seen, heard, and supported.

Let’s bridge the gap—together. Learn more about what we are doing at Communication Bridge: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

06/23/2025

Jason Boschan Run4Papa is running 50 races in all 50 states for Alzheimer’s research—and #42 brought him to Duluth!

His Run4Papa journey honors his grandfather and supports vital work at the Healthy Aging & Alzheimer's Research Care - HAARC Center.

Read about this past weekend's race and Jason's journey thus far:

Jason Boschan has run across all seven continents and now tackles Grandma's Marathon on his journey to complete 50 marathons in 50 states.

06/11/2025

For someone with aphasia, a “simple” conversation might take a lot of effort. But with support, patience, and tools like gestures or communication apps, connection is always possible. National Aphasia Association

Tip: When speaking with someone with aphasia, try this:
✅ Slow down
✅ Use short phrases
✅ Give time to respond
✅ Listen without rushing

Every moment of understanding builds a stronger communication bridge. And that bridge goes both ways. Learn more about Communication Bridge: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

05/19/2025

Did you know that PPA affects language first - not memory? It’s a rare form of dementia that slowly impacts language and communication. The CB3 study is working to improve quality of life for people with PPA and their care partners through virtual intervention. We are now enrolling participants.

Check out the link in our bio to learn more.