CBR Seminar Series: Stephanie Grasso
CBR Seminar Series: Stephanie Grasso, March 25, 2024
Title: Neurodegenerative Disorders Within the Context of Bilingualism: Characterization and Treatment
Abstract: Speech and language impairments are ubiquitous features of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). In speech/language-led dementias such as primary progressive aphasia (PPA), these deficits are the initial, predominant symptoms, in the context of relatively spared general cognitive abilities. Although there is a growing body of research addressing the nature and treatment of ADRD and PPA in monolingual speakers, significantly less evidence exists for bilingual speakers living with these conditions. In this talk, I will present research investigating 1) bilingualism as a contributor to cognitive reserve, in PPA and ADRD, 2) the utility of connected speech to differentiate between clinical phenotypes in bilinguals, and 3) methods for promoting cross-linguistic transfer via speech-language intervention in bilingual PPA. I will conclude by summarizing how clinicians may optimize treatment for this historically underserved population, and by describing ongoing research interrogating behavioral and neural predictors of both progression and treatment response.
Bio:
Education
PhD, University of Texas at Austin, Communication Sciences and Disorders
MA, University of Texas at Austin, Communication Sciences and Disorders
BA, University of Redlands, Communication Sciences and Disorders
Current Position
Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin
Areas of Interest
Treatment of bilinguals (English-Spanish speakers) and Spanish-speakers with aphasia as a result of brain damage. Examining neural predictors of treatment responsiveness.