RecruitingInterventional

A pilot study to develop a new treatment for people living with Parkinson’s who have difficulties with producing and understanding language

This study is developing a new online therapy programme for people living with Parkinson's disease who find it difficult to use and understand language. Many people with Parkinson's say these communication issues affect their daily life, but there isn't much research or specific treatments for them. Working with patients and experts, a new six-week online therapy has been created. This small study will involve 10 people and their communication partners to see if the therapy helps with everyday conversations, if people like it, and if it could be tested in a larger group later on. It aims to boost confidence and make talking easier for those affected.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Strathclyde

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

30 Aug 2026

Parkinson's disease

What is this study about?

Many people with Parkinson's disease find that their ability to use and understand language can be a challenge. This isn't just about how they speak, but also things like finding the right words, following conversations, or understanding what's being said on TV. These difficulties can sometimes make everyday chats frustrating, affecting relationships and overall well-being. However, there hasn't been much research or specific treatments available to help with these particular language problems.

This new study aims to change that. Researchers have worked closely with people living with Parkinson's, their carers, and healthcare professionals to design a brand-new therapy programme. This programme is all about helping individuals manage their language challenges so they can join in conversations more effectively and feel more confident when talking to others. It's an online programme that can be done from the comfort of your home.

This first study is a small, 'pilot' study involving 10 people with Parkinson's who have language difficulties, along with a close communication partner, like a spouse or friend. The main goals are to find out whether this language therapy can genuinely help people in their daily communication, if participants enjoy the programme, and if it's practical to run a bigger study in the future. If successful, this could lead to a valuable new treatment option for many.

Key takeaways

New online therapy for Parkinson's language issues.
Six weekly online therapy sessions with a speech therapist.
Involves both the person with Parkinson's and a communication partner.
Aims to improve confidence in conversations.
Pilot study to test its effectiveness and practicality.
Total commitment is about 4 months.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers over 50 years old who have received a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. You should experience regular difficulties with finding words or understanding more complex language, such as when listening to the news. It's also important that you have a regular communication partner, such as a family member, friend, or carer, who can also take part.

To join, you should be able to use technology for online sessions, or have someone who can help you. The study is not for those with other types of Parkinson's-like conditions, or if your communication difficulties are due to severe memory problems or other neurological conditions. Also, significant problems with your sight or hearing that would stop you from taking part in the activities would mean you couldn't join.

Your communication partner should also be able to use online tools or have support, and shouldn't have any severe sight or hearing difficulties or memory problems that would stop them from communicating.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease?
Am I over 50 years old?
Do I regularly struggle with finding words or understanding complex language?
Do I have a regular communication partner who can also take part?
Can I use online technology for video calls, or can someone help me with it?
Do I have any severe sight or hearing problems that would stop me from participating?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your involvement will last for about four months. It includes two main parts: assessments and therapy sessions. You'll have three assessment sessions in total: two before you start therapy and one after you finish. These assessments will happen in person and each will take between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. During these, the researchers will look at your language skills (like naming pictures or understanding stories), some quick thinking skills, and your confidence in conversations.

Following the initial assessments, you will have six individual therapy sessions, once a week. These sessions will be done online using video calls through programmes like Microsoft Teams, and each will last 45-60 minutes. The therapy will cover different areas, such as understanding how Parkinson's affects language, exercises to help with finding words, practicing language in real-life situations, and advice for your communication partner. The therapist will also give you activities to do at home.

Once the study is over, if you need more language therapy, you can get it through the NHS. However, you cannot receive any other language therapy during your time in the study, except for urgent advice if you have difficulties with swallowing.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help you better understand your communication challenges and give you practical ways to handle difficult situations, potentially making you feel more confident in conversations. Your close communication partner will also get advice on how to better support you, which could make talking more enjoyable for both of you. However, some of the assessment tasks, which look at different language and thinking skills, might feel tiring or a bit frustrating as they are designed to challenge a wide range of abilities. Similarly, some of the therapy exercises might also feel demanding at times. It's important to remember you can leave the study at any point if you change your mind, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (3)

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
City only
Glasgow, Scotland
NHS Lanarkshire
City only
Hamilton, Scotland
NHS Lothian
Approximate
Edinburgh, Scotland

Common questions

What is a 'pilot study'?

A pilot study is a small, first-time study to see if a new treatment or approach works and if it's practical to do a bigger study later.

Will I have to travel for this study?

You will need to travel for three assessment sessions, which are done in person. The therapy sessions are all online from home.

What kind of language problems does the study focus on?

It focuses on difficulties with finding words, processing information, and understanding more complex language in daily conversations.

Can I receive other therapy during the study?

You cannot receive other language therapy during the study, but it's okay to get urgent advice for swallowing difficulties.

Who is running this study?

The study is being run by a research team at Strathclyde University, led by Professor Anja Lowit.

How to find out more

Anja Lowit

a.lowit@strath.ac.uk +44 09786080537 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.