LEARN Study (Longitudinal Evaluation of Aphasia Recovery and Neuroplasticity)

The brain recovers the most significantly within one year after stroke. Through LEARN, we are studying the way that brain function changes over the time-course of recovery after stroke to allow better speech and language communication skills through EEG, MRI, and behavioral testing methods. Tracking the brain and behavior over time of people who have had a stroke will help us understand how brain networks change to support better outcomes after one year.

BELA Study (Biomarker Evaluation of Language in Aphasia)

The BELA Study is a cross-sectional EEG study that focuses on chronic stroke patients, older age-matched controls, and healthy young adults. First, we hope to establish reliable EEG markers in young adults, which can then be used to measure brain activity differences in stroke survivors compared to their peers. Then, we aim to identify biomarkers that are indicative of aphasia and language impairment. Our goal is to translate these discoveries into clinical practice by adapting the biomarkers for use in a clinical setting.

ALEX (Automated Lesion EMR EXchange)

ALEX is a massive database of acute stroke brain images linked to electronic medical records from ~30,000 patients throughout the MedStar Health System. This data ranges from rural/urban community hospitals to comprehensive stroke centers. We are using this system to conduct retrospective studies on different stroke factors in order to generate meaningful clinical predictions for stroke outcomes.

HEARD Project (Human-Centered EEG for Aphasia: Roadmap to Deployment)

HEARD is the clinical translation of BELA, where we develop and test cost-effective, practical mobile EEG devices for clinical settings. We are ensuring that EEG biomarkers are accurately showing aphasia symptoms among patients, and implementing it in clinics with continuous feedback from clinicians. Ultimately, this will equip clinicians with more standardized tools to assess and treat aphasia, improving patient care.