Can we foster linguistic neuroplasticity?

In the United States alone about 700,000 people have

a stroke each year while another 7 million suffer the

chronic consequences of an earlier stroke. Currently,

the only proven treatment for aphasia, the disruption

of speech and language following a stroke, is speech

therapy.

Most stroke victims regain a degree of speech and

language ability but there is no cost-effective,

scientifically proven way to speed up their recovery.

The mechanisms of neuroplasticity have only recently

begun to be understood. Transcranial magnetic stimu-

lation (TMS) of the damaged brain areas can enhance

their recovery. Another form of treatment is Inten-

sive Language Action Therapy (ILAT), short courses of

intensive training for small groups, focussing on the

functional use of language.

An objective of SalWe’s Mind and Body Programme is

to develop a deeper understanding of the mechanisms

of the nervous system.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in industrial countries, affecting speech, language and interpersonal communication. Part of SalWe’s Mind and Body Programme is aimed at developing speech and language therapy for treating aphasia after a stroke. The research is being done by the University of Helsinki in cooperation with the commercial partner Nexstim Ltd.

www.salwe.fi

SalWe - Strategic Center for Science, Technology and Innovation in Health and Well-being

It is exploring how the brain recovers from a stroke

and how different forms of rehabilitation affect these

mechanisms. The longer-term objective is to develop

new rehabilitation techniques and related services.

Brain therapy and stimulation“We’ve developed a novel form of treatment for post-

stroke aphasia, combining intensive language action

therapy with repeated magnetic stimulation. The aim

is to maximise the linguistic plasticity of the brain,

by activating neurons simultaneously so that the con-

nections between them are reinforced. With ILAT and

TMS we can modify brain activity. Repeated stimula-

tion produces lasting effects and changes in synaptic

connections, which are the basis of learning. It is a

therapy that can repair the brain after a stroke,” says

Professor Anu Klippi of the University of Helsinki.

“In addition, we’ve developed a comprehensive method

for assessing speech and language. It has a unique set

of parameters that can measure phonological, lexical

and grammatical constructions in a detailed way, as

well as the pragmatic use of speech. The ten different

measurements have been translated, piloted and cul-

turally adapted into Finnish. We’ve also modified the

repeated TMS procedure and produced noun and verb

material to be used during the treatment.”

Currently under way is a randomised group study to

monitor how the ILAT and TMS methods and their

combinations affect aphasia. Nexstim Ltd intends to

commercialise the results to produce products and

services suitable for treating aphasia. The company

is a world leader in equipment for navigated brain

stimulation.

“Our approach combines Intensive Language Action Therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Brain Stimulation”

Anu Klippi, University of Helsinki

More information

Anu KlippiprofessorUniversity of Helsinkianu.klippi@helsinki.fi+358 9 1912 9343

SalWe - Strategic Center for Science, Technology and Innovation in Health and Well-being