Effect of Dopaminergic Medication on Recovery of Aphasia
Information source: University Hospital, Geneva
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Aphasia
Intervention: levodopa and benserazide (Drug); placebo (Drug)
Phase: N/A
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: University Hospital, Geneva Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): Armin Schniider, Prof, Study Director, Affiliation: University Hospital, Geneva
Summary
The investigators have been offering computer assisted therapy of aphasia (CAT) as a
complement to traditional treatments to aphasia patients of the "Service of
Neurorehabilitation" for some years. The investigators have shown its efficacy in
hospitalised patients with recently acquired aphasia.
In addition to studies stressing the importance of treatment intensity, several studies
suggest that pharmacological treatment can also improve recovery after a cerebral lesion.
The underlying idea is that the administration of medication influencing the system of
neurotransmitters can play a role in functional recovery. Studies have assessed mainly
substances acting on the dopaminergic (amphetamine and bromocriptine) and GABAergic system
(piracetam).
The main objective of the present study concerns the evaluation of the effects of levodopa
on recovery of anomia in patients with aphasia. In particular, the investigators use CAT to
control intensity and quality of therapy and they will assess whether the administration of
levodopa promotes recovery.
In each patient, two periods of anomia therapy with CAT, each performed with a different
word list, will be compared. In addition to speech therapy, each period will be associated
with the administration of either levodopa and benserazide (Madopar ®), or placebo.
Evaluations at baseline and after each treatment period will be performed with the material
and denomination battery
Clinical Details
Official title: Effect of Dopaminergic Medication on Recovery of Aphasia
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Primary outcome: performance in denomination in the two word list will be compared
Eligibility
Minimum age: 25 Years.
Maximum age: N/A.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patient with aphasia hospitalised at the "Service of neurorehabilitation" with
presence of anomia absence of comprehension deficits, absence of executive or apraxic
dysfunctions that might impede the handling of keyboard or mouse, absence of
stereotypies or perseverations dominating the aphasic symptoms.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Patients who do not have their ability to judge or who suffer from Parkinson's
syndrome requiring dopaminergic treatment will be excluded. Moreover, absolute
medical contraindications for the medication will be respected: known
hypersensitivity to one of the components, patients taking MAO inhibitors or
sympathomimetics, severe hormonal, renal, hepatic, or cardiac affections, pregnancy
or breastfeeding, women at reproductive age without reliable contraception, angle
closure glaucoma, psychosis or severe neurosis, age < 25 years, malign melanoma, or
planned anesthesia during the study period + 48 hours.
Locations and Contacts
Neurorééducation, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
Additional Information
Starting date: February 2007
Last updated: December 2, 2014
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