Communication Bridge Research Program

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.

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: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

04/23/2025

CB2 was the first international randomized trial testing speech-language therapy for PPA.

It’s a big step toward building evidence-based support for people with rare dementias. We are making strides forward in helping people diagnosted with PPA in CB3. Now enrolling participants. Check out the link in our bio.

04/23/2025

CB2 was the first international randomized trial testing speech-language therapy for PPA.

It’s a big step toward building evidence-based support for people with rare dementias. We are making strides forward in helping people diagnosed with PPA in CB3. Now enrolling participants: https://haarc.center.uchicago.edu/communication-bridge/

04/16/2025

Clinical trial results indicate that people living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and their communication partners benefit from remote speech language therapy.

04/15/2025

PPA doesn’t just impact the person living with it—PPA deeply affects care partners too.

That’s why the CB2 trial enrolled dyads—both the person with PPA and their main communication partner. CB3 has is actively enrolling participants.

Learn more at the link in our bio!