Comparing Brain Networks Involved in Phonological and Semantic Processing using Voxel- based Lesion-Symptom Mapping
Loading...
Date
2023-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
Semantics and phonology are components of language. People with aphasia have lesions in their brain due to a stoke that create difficulty within these areas of language. The current study conducted an exploratory search to determine significant and distinct networks in the brain recruited in these respective language processes. This was done so by comparing the Comprehensive Aphasia Tasks (CAT) verbal fluency categorical and phonological subtests to the Temple Assessment of Language and Short-Term Memory (TALSA) semantic and phonological subtests. Ten participants (4 women, 6 men) with aphasia took part in the study, age ranging from 39 to 75 years old (M= 56, SD= 10.9). Participant behavioral scores were contrasted to their respective structural MRI scans and was run through a Voxel-Based Lesion Mapping (VLSM) analysis. Results showed discrete as well as overlapping areas of the brain contributing to lower scores within each subtest. Involvement in these areas suggest the recruitment of areas that were previously confirmed in prior literature as well as significant overlap among others. Clinically, these results promote the versatility of the TALSA assessment and support the call for interdisciplinary involvement of multiple disciplines in treatment. Future research should investigate how the multiple demand network and recruitment influences recovery in semantics and phonology.
Description
Keywords
Semantic, Phonology, Aphasia, Neuro-imaging