Successful word retrieval is critical to everyday communication. However, word-finding difficulties, or anomia, is a pervasive symptom of aphasia, an early feature of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and even a common occurrence in typically aging adults.
The ALN Lab conducts research to advance the precision rehabilitation of anomia, or how anomia treatment can be designed for specific individuals to achieve the greatest positive impacts on improved word retrieval, functional communication, and quality of life. Our research is a collective effort. Our research is only possible with engagement from people living with aphasia and their communication partners, speech-language pathologists, interdisciplinary collaborators, and students. Learn more about our current research.
Aphasia is a communication disability that may impact speaking, understanding, reading, and/or writing.
Aphasia does NOT affect intelligence.
Aphasia can be isolating, but no one needs to navigate it alone.
Dr. Nichol Castro received the Early Career Contributions in Research Award from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Image Credit: Andy Brunning/Compound Interest
Urbina-Blanco et al. (2020). A diverse view of science to catalyse change. Nature Chemistry, 12, 773-776.
Our lab is committed to providing a safe, inclusive environment for all persons and ideas. We will maintain and mentor a diverse lab membership and seek to recruit diverse research participants. Open, honest, and professional communication will be a guiding principle. Through our work, we will help science progress forward and increase diversity in our field to ultimately benefit all.