Uncovering language deficits in focal epilepsy: Beyond the limits of noun naming and verbal fluency.

Background: A range of language impairments have been reported in people with epilepsy both pre- and post-surgically, however language is not routinely comprehensively assessed in epilepsy clinics. When language is assessed, this is typically as part of a broader neuropsychological battery of assessment, often limited to tests of noun naming and/or verbal fluency, despite evidence to suggest these tests are not sufficiently sensitive to detect the often-subtle deficits present in chronic focal epilepsy. Many areas of language function, including the production of connected speech, have also not been adequately explored in this population, and research relating to subjective report of language and communication difficulties is limited.

An international core outcome set for primary progressive aphasia (COS-PPA): Consensus-based recommendations for communication interventions across research and clinical settings.

Introduction: Interventions to treat speech-language difficulties in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) often use word accuracy as a highly comparable outcome. However, there are more constructs of importance to people with PPA that have received less attention.

Methods: Following Core Outcome Set Standards for Development Recommendations (COSSTAD), this study comprised: Stage 1 - systematic review to identify measures; Stage 2 - consensus groups to identify important outcome constructs for people with PPA (n = 82) and care partners (n = 91); Stage 3 - e-Delphi consensus with 57 researchers.

Impact of quality of care on outcomes in survivors of stroke with aphasia: A linked registry and hospital data observational study.

Background: The impact of hospital care quality on patient outcomes in post-stroke aphasia remains unclear. We investigated the impact of nationally-endorsed acute stroke treatments on outcomes post-stroke, by aphasia status.

Methods: Patient-level data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2009-2013) linked to national deaths, hospital emergency presentations and admissions data were used.

Establishing Quality Indicators and Implementation Priorities for Post-Stroke Aphasia Services Through End-User Involvement.

Background: Currently, there are no agreed quality standards for post-stroke aphasia services. Therefore, it is unknown if care reflects best practices or meets the expectations of people living with aphasia. We aimed to (1) shortlist, (2) operationalise and (3) prioritise best practice recommendations for post-stroke aphasia care.

Return to work for stroke survivors with aphasia: A quantitative scoping review.

The international incidence of stroke in people of working age is rising. As such, meaningful work return is a major rehabilitation goal for many individuals, including those with aphasia. This scoping review aimed to outline the post-stroke aphasia evidence related to work outcomes, factors influencing employment along with contemporary vocational-language and communication rehabilitation practice.