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A mixed methods investigation of cognition and language in post-stroke aphasia

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posted on 2023-10-27, 03:48 authored by Bruna Tessaro

Language breakdown after stroke has been extensively studied in the aphasiology literature. However, strokes are diffuse lesions and can result in cognitive impairments beyond language, in domains such as attention, executive functions, memory and visuospatial deficits. Recent research has focused on cognitive abilities in aphasia and how they relate to linguistic impairment. Moreover, the accurate assessment of cognition is important for a variety of reasons, including to determine the extent of cognitive deficits beyond language and for rehabilitation planning. This thesis aimed to examine the relationship between semantic processing and cognition in aphasia, as well as to discuss current cognitive assessment practices in aphasia. A variety of methods were used to investigate these issues: a critical and a systematic review, an experimental study and a survey.

Following an introductory overview (Chapter 1), two chapters focus on the relationship between semantic processing and executive control in aphasia. Chapter 2 examines the role of cognitive abilities in semantic processing tasks and presents a critical review of the Controlled Semantic Cognition account. Chapter 3 tests the prediction from the Controlled Semantic Cognition account that associative errors in naming tasks are a consequence of semantic control deficits and which other factors may influence the occurrence of associative errors.

The next two chapters focus on practices regarding the assessment of cognition in aphasia. Chapter 4 presents a systematic appraisal of the tools used to assess cognition in studies with aphasia published from 2010 to 2020. Chapter 5 explores aphasia clinicians’ and researchers’ views on the current practices of assessment of cognition in aphasia. Finally, in Chapter 6, the main results are discussed considering their contribution to our current understanding of the relationship between cognition and language in aphasia.

Overall, this thesis presents results that underscore the importance of accurately assessing cognition in aphasia and provides an overview of assessment practices in the research and clinical context. In addition, it contributes to the knowledge of semantic processing in aphasia and how it relates to cognitive processing.

History

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. General Introduction -- Chapter 2. Semantic impairment in aphasia: A problem of control? -- Chapter 3. What is the origin of associative errors in aphasia? -- Chapter 4. How cognition has been assessed in research with people with aphasia: A systematic literature review -- Chapter 5. Assessment of cognition in aphasia: Perspectives from clinicians and researchers -- Chapter 6. General Discussion -- Ethics Approval

Notes

Cotutelle thesis in conjunction with Newcastle University (United Kingdom), Potsdam University (Germany) and University of Groningen (the Netherlands)

Awarding Institution

Macquarie University

Degree Type

Thesis PhD

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Department, Centre or School

School of Psychological Sciences

Year of Award

2023

Principal Supervisor

Lyndsey Nickels

Additional Supervisor 1

Solene Hameau

Additional Supervisor 2

Christos Salis

Rights

Copyright: The Author Copyright disclaimer: https://www.mq.edu.au/copyright-disclaimer

Language

English

Extent

416 pages

Former Identifiers

AMIS ID: 272362

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