The Adult Language Network (ALN) Lab
Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences
University at Buffalo
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 studies how we organize words in memory, and how that organization influences word retrieval processes. Our research uses behavioral studies and computational modelling approaches. We benefit by studying the abilities of neurologically typical adults, as well as adults with dementia or aphasia.
Our research efforts always keep an eye toward practical implications and impact on lives of individuals. Applications of our research are focused on the development of assessments and treatments for anomia. For example, we aim to develop novel clinical tools to assist clinicians with stimuli selection and treatment matching.
What is aphasia?
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.
Recent News
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.