Discourse Processing in Healthy Aging

Funded by the National Institute of Aging (R01AG029476)

Principal Investigator: Heather Harris Wright

The objectives of this research program are to determine whether age-related changes in discourse processes correspond to age-related changes in cognitive processes and to test hypotheses regarding discourse processing across the adult lifespan. The specific aims of the proposed project are to: (1) determine how changes in memory and attention across the life span relate to competence and performance of narrative and procedural discourse, (2) document which aspect or aspects of discourse are most sensitive to aging in healthy adult cohorts, and (3) investigate age-related changes in comprehension of narratives across the adult lifespan. Results of this research will inform theories of discourse and cognitive aging as well as provide a normative database for clinical application to individuals with communication disorders associated with aging disorders and acquired neurogenic communication disorders.

Memory and Discourse in Aphasia

Principal Investigator: Heather Harris Wright

The purpose of this research program is to assess the attention and memory skills of individuals with aphasia using non-language based tasks to determine if individuals with aphasia have attention and memory deficits exclusive of their language deficits. By comparing language and non-language based attention and memory performance with language skills of IWA, we hope to better understand how cognitive abilities impact the communicative abilities of IWA. This information may contribute to advances in treatment strategies for IWA.